riper; ripest
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.
a system that was ripe for abuse
specifically, of a legal action
: ready for judicial resolution because the injury is certain and not hypothetical
5
6
: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit
a ripe figure
7
: indecent
ripe language
ripely
adverb
ripeness
noun
Cite this Entry
“Ripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripe. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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