First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
ripe
adjective \ˈrīp\
of fruits and vegetables : fully grown and developed and ready to be eaten
: ready or suitable for something
of food and especially cheese : brought to full flavor or the best state by being stored for a period of time
rip·errip·est
Full Definition of RIPE
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>
6
: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit <a ripe figure>
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Origin of RIPE
Middle English, from Old English rīpe; akin to Old English rīpan, reopan to reap
Related to RIPE
- Synonyms
- adult, full-blown, full-fledged, matured, mature, ripened
Other Botany Terms
RIPE Defined for Kids
ripe
adjective \ˈrīp\
rip·errip·est
Definition of RIPE for Kids
1
: fully grown and developed <ripe fruit>
2
: of advanced years <a ripe old age>
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