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
Washington also boasts some of the most dramatic day-to-night temperature swings of any wine region on the planet, offering hot, sunny days for ripening and cool nights to preserve acidity and freshness.
—
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The vintage weather was perfect and allowed for early ripening.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Slugs can devour seedlings overnight, eat the petals off flowers, and leave ugly holes in ripening fruits and vegetables.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025
However, fruit ripens when exposed to heat, so placing your hanging basket in direct sunlight may help increase your fruits’ temperature.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 3 June 2025
The vintage weather was perfect and allowed for early ripening.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Slugs can devour seedlings overnight, eat the petals off flowers, and leave ugly holes in ripening fruits and vegetables.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2025
However, fruit ripens when exposed to heat, so placing your hanging basket in direct sunlight may help increase your fruits’ temperature.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 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 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share