riper; ripest
1
: fully grown and developed : mature
ripe fruit
ripe wheat
2
: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3
: of advanced years : late
a ripe old age
4
a
: suitable, appropriate
The time was ripe for the attempt.
b
: fully prepared : ready
The colonies were ripe for revolution.
a system that was ripe for abuse
specifically, of a legal action
: ready for judicial resolution because the injury is certain and not hypothetical
5
6
: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit
a ripe figure
7
: indecent
ripe language
ripely
adverb
ripeness
noun
Examples of ripe in a Sentence
The apples are nearly ripe.
the clothes of the field hands were sweaty and ripe after a hard day's work
Recent Examples on the Web
In the later years of its primacy, though, the world was ripe for a new art about things, and recognizable images.
—
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
To choose a ripe lemon, look for a fruit that feels firm and has a bright, yellow color and a smooth, shiny peel.
—Hannah Harper, Health, 21 Feb. 2026
Wynwood Before beaches fill with spring breakers and Ocean Drive hits peak congestion, there’s a creative side of the city—just north of downtown, in Wynwood—hitting its sweet spot, ripe for exploring.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
Rosé From a Warm Climate Since the scent and the sensation of sweetness are reduced in the air, Rojas is fond of ripe rosés.
—Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripe
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Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
To choose a ripe lemon, look for a fruit that feels firm and has a bright, yellow color and a smooth, shiny peel.
—Hannah Harper, Health, 21 Feb. 2026
Wynwood Before beaches fill with spring breakers and Ocean Drive hits peak congestion, there’s a creative side of the city—just north of downtown, in Wynwood—hitting its sweet spot, ripe for exploring.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026
Rosé From a Warm Climate Since the scent and the sensation of sweetness are reduced in the air, Rojas is fond of ripe rosés.
—Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ripe
Cite this Entry
“Ripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripe. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ripe
adjective
riper; ripest
1
: fully grown and developed
a ripe tomato
2
: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3
: ready entry 1 sense 1
ripe for action
4
: brought to just the right state
ripely
adverb
ripeness
noun
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