ripen

Word parts

ripe + -en

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈraɪpən/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form ripen

Third-person singular ripens

Past tense ripened

Past participle ripened

Present participle ripening

1. (transitive & intransitive) When a fruit or grain ripens, it becomes softer, sweeter, and ready to eat.

   As the summer ends, the grapes ripen to a perfect sweetness, ideal for picking.

   Pears, unlike apples, don't taste as good if allowed to ripen on the tree.

   The farmer uses a special gas to ripen the bananas quickly before they go to market.

2. (transitive & intransitive) When a cheese ripens, it ages under controlled conditions and slowly develops its flavor, texture, and smell.

   This type of cheddar ripens best in a cool, dark room.

   The cheesemaker carefully controls the temperature and humidity to ripen the brie.