ripened; ripening
ˈrī-pə-niŋ 
ˈrīp-niŋ
: to grow or become ripe
1
: to make ripe
2
a
: to bring to completeness or perfection
b
: to age or cure (cheese) to develop characteristic flavor, odor, body, texture, and color
c
: to improve flavor and tenderness of (beef or game) by aging under refrigeration
Examples of ripen in a Sentence
The tomatoes finished ripening on the windowsill.
You can ripen the fruit by placing it in a paper bag and storing it at room temperature for a few days.
Recent Examples on the Web
However, a few simple storage tricks can help slow down the ripening process.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 June 2025
The Haida people from the Pacific Northwest called June’s full moon the berries ripen moon, also referring to berry harvest season.
—Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Wrapping the stems in plastic traps the ethylene gas and prevents it from spreading to the rest of the fruit, slowing down the ripening process.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
As the fruit ripens, the starch breaks down into simple sugars.15
Is a Breakfast or Afternoon Banana Better?
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 June 2025
The Haida people from the Pacific Northwest called June’s full moon the berries ripen moon, also referring to berry harvest season.
—Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Wrapping the stems in plastic traps the ethylene gas and prevents it from spreading to the rest of the fruit, slowing down the ripening process.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
As the fruit ripens, the starch breaks down into simple sugars.15
Is a Breakfast or Afternoon Banana Better?
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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