verb
ripen
REYE-puhn
Ripen (verb) means to become, or make, ripe. Example: “The tomatoes will ripen on the windowsill.”
verb
1
To become, or make, ripe.
"The tomatoes will ripen on the windowsill."
"Sunlight helps ripen the fruit faster."
How to use ripen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo reach or bring to full ripeness.
Word forms
ripened past tense, ripens singular
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Etymology
Formed from "ripe" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ripen” mean?
The word “ripen” means to become, or make, ripe. In plain terms, to reach or bring to full ripeness.
How do you pronounce “ripen”?
“Ripen” is pronounced REYE-puhn (/ˈɹaɪpən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ripen” in a sentence?
Here is “ripen” used in a sentence: “The tomatoes will ripen on the windowsill.”
What part of speech is “ripen”?
“Ripen” is a verb.