# ripening

/ˈɹaɪpənɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈaɪpnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ripening
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the process of a fruit or vegetable becoming soft and sweet and ready to eat. It can also describe a person becoming more mature or experienced over time.

For teachers: the process of becoming ripe, particularly in fruit or vegetables; by extension, the state of reaching maturity or full development in a person or situation.

## Examples

- The ripening of the bananas makes them easier to peel.
- The winemaker carefully monitors the ripening of the grapes to ensure the perfect balance of sugar and acidity.
- The gradual ripening of the local economy over the last decade has allowed for a more diverse range of industries to thrive alongside traditional agriculture.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.