rib
rib Lexical Profile
rib Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Each of a series of slender curved bones articulated in pairs to the spine, protecting the thoracic cavity and its organs in humans and most vertebrates.
"The athlete bruised a rib after colliding with another player during the match."
A cut of meat from a cow, pig, or sheep containing one or more rib bones, often prepared by roasting, grilling, or smoking.
"The restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked barbecue ribs served with tangy sauce."
A long raised ridge, curved timber, rod, or structural member that provides support, strength, or shape to an object such as an umbrella, boat hull, aircraft wing, or vaulted ceiling.
"A sudden gust of wind snapped one of the metal ribs inside her umbrella."
A combination of knit and purl stitches that produces a raised vertical pattern with high elasticity in knitted fabric.
"She finished the sweater by knitting a snug rib along the cuffs and neckline."
• verb
To tease or make fun of someone in a good-natured, playful way (informal).
"His coworkers gently ribbed him all afternoon about wearing mismatched socks to the meeting."
To mark, form, or furnish a fabric, surface, or structure with raised ridges or supporting ribs.
"The artisan ribbed the clay vessel with parallel grooves before placing it in the kiln."
• Rhymes for rib
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English ribb, descending from Proto-Germanic *ribja, which is ultimately traced to the Proto-Indo-European root *rebh- meaning to roof over or cover, referring to how the rib cage encloses the chest cavity.