adj.
Pronunciation: ' r ī p
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: rip · er ; rip · est
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English r ī pe; akin to Old English r ī pan, reopan to reap
Date: before 12th century
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>
5 a : brought by aging to full flavor or the best state : MELLOW < ripe cheese> b : SMELLY , STINKING
6 : ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit <a ripe figure>
7 : INDECENT < ripe language>
– ripe · ly adverb
– ripe · ness noun