ripened; ripening
ˈrī-pə-niŋ
ˈrīp-niŋ
: to grow or become ripe
fruits ripening on the tree
1
: to make ripe
You can ripen fruit faster by putting it in a paper bag.
2
a
: to bring to completeness or perfection
… the progress of time would rather increase and ripen their prosperity …—Nathaniel Hawthorne
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
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.
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