Search Dictionary
Definition of ripe

ripe

/ɹaɪp/
ripe
Adverb:ripely
JUMP TO:

ripe Lexical Profile

ripe Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Developed to the point of readiness for harvesting and eating (of fruit or grain).

Example

"She picked a basket of sweet, ripe peaches from the orchard."

2

Having arrived at the fitting stage or time for a particular action or purpose.

Example

"The coastal region is ripe for renewable energy investment."

3

Aged until full flavor and texture have developed (of cheese or wine).

Example

"The dinner concluded with a selection of crackers and a wheel of ripe Brie."

4

Having a strong, unpleasant, or rank odor (informal).

Example

"After three days of hiking in the summer heat, his gym bag smelled decidedly ripe."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ripe
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ripe

• Rhymes for ripe

• Nearby Words

riotously
rip
ripcord
ripe
ripen
ripeness
ripoff

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'rīpe' (ready for reaping, mature), derived from Proto-Germanic '*rīpijaz', which is closely related to the verb 'reap'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ripe. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ripe
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.