n.1 a a narrow strip or band of fabric, used esp. for trimming or decoration. b material in this form.
2 a ribbon of a special colour etc. worn to indicate some honour or membership of a sports team etc.
3 a long narrow strip of anything, e.g. impregnated material forming the inking agent in a typewriter.
4 (in pl.) ragged strips (torn to ribbons).
Phrases and idioms:
ribbon development the building of houses along a main road, usu. one leading out of a town or village. ribbon worm a nemertean.
Derivatives:
ribboned adj.
Etymology: var. of RIBAND