Ribbon — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈri-bən/ rib·bon

Meaning & Definition of Ribbon

Ribbon (noun)

  1. a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting
  2. a narrow fabric used for tying packages
  3. a piece of usually multicolored ribbon worn as a military decoration or in place of a medal

Ribbon (verb)

  1. to adorn with ribbons
  2. to divide into ribbons
  3. to cover with or as if with ribbons

Ribbon (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a long narrow piece of material

    "tied a silk ribbon in her hair"

    similar: list, slip, strip
    related: slat, band, bandage, belt, binding, girth, strap, swatch, swath, tape

Ribbon (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it

    "over the years the historic flag had become badly ribboned by the wind"

    similar: rend, rip, rive, shred, tatter, tear
    related: break, cleave, rupture, split, cut, gash, incise, lacerate, slash, butcher, dismember, dissect, hack, mangle

Related Entry: Blue-ribbon (adjective)

Blue-ribbon is a different word from Ribbon. The synonyms below are for blue-ribbon, not for ribbon.

  1. of the very best kind

    "your work on this project has been of blue-ribbon quality"

    similar: A-OK, A1, awesome, bang-up, banner, beautiful, blue-chip, boffo, bonny (chiefly British), boss (slang), brag, brave, bully, bumper, capital, choice, classic, cool (slang), corking, crackerjack, cracking, dandy, divine, dope (slang), down (slang), dynamite, excellent, fab, fabulous, famous, fantabulous (slang), fantastic, fine, first-class, first-rate, first-string, five-star, four-star, frontline, gangbusters, gilt-edged, gone (slang), grand, great, groovy, heavenly, high-class, hot, hype (slang), immense, jim-dandy, keen, lovely, marvelous, mean, neat, nifty, noble, number one, numero uno, out-of-sight (slang), par excellence, peachy, peachy keen, phat (slang), prime, primo (slang), prize, prizewinning, quality, radical (slang), righteous (slang), sensational, slick, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supernal, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, top-of-the-line, top-shelf, topflight, topping (chiefly British), unsurpassed, wizard (chiefly British), wonderful, out of this world, too much
    related: acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, good, OK, passable, satisfactory, tolerable, better, exceptional, fancy, high-grade, high-test, premium, select, special, superfine, classical, standard, traditional
    opposite: atrocious, awful, execrable, lousy, pathetic, poor, rotten, terrible, vile, wretched
    near: bad, inferior, low-grade, substandard, unsatisfactory, mediocre, middling, second-class, second-rate

Related Entry: Blue ribbon (noun)

Blue ribbon is a different word from Ribbon. The synonyms below are for blue ribbon, not for ribbon.

  1. something given in recognition of achievement

    "the Pritzker Prize is widely regarded as the ultimate blue ribbon for architectural achievement"

    similar: accolade, award, decoration, distinction, honor, kudo, plume, premium, prize
    related: badge, crown, cup, laurel, medal, order, plaque, plate, ribbon, trophy, applause, bravo, encomium, eulogy, hallelujah, homage, paean, panegyric, plaudit, tribute, citation, commendation, compliment, honorable mention

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ribbon

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ribbon:

list, slip, strip, rend, rip, rive, shred, tatter, tear

Related Words for Ribbon

slat, band, bandage, belt, binding, girth, strap, swatch, swath, tape, break, cleave, rupture, split, cut, gash, incise, lacerate, slash, butcher, dismember, dissect, hack, mangle

Word Forms of Ribbon

Inflections: ribboned, ribboning, ribbons

Derived words: ribbonlike (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Ribbon

Middle English riban, from Anglo-French ribane, rubane

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Ribbon

ribbon development, ribbon worm, blue-ribbon, blue ribbon, red ribbon

Frequently Asked Questions about Ribbon

What does "Ribbon" mean?

"Ribbon" means a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Ribbon"?

Other words for "Ribbon" include list, slip, strip, rend, rip, rive, shred and tatter. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ribbon" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ribbon"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ribbon". Common alternatives include list, slip, strip, rend, rip, rive, shred, tatter and tear.

How do you use "Ribbon" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ribbon" in a sentence: "tied a silk ribbon in her hair"; "over the years the historic flag had become badly ribboned by the wind".

Is "Ribbon" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ribbon" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Ribbon"?

"Ribbon" is pronounced /ˈri-bən/ and divided into syllables as rib·bon.

What is the origin of the word "Ribbon"?

"Ribbon" comes from Middle English riban, from Anglo-French ribane, rubane. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Ribbon" meaning "a long narrow piece of material"?

When "Ribbon" (noun) means a long narrow piece of material, synonyms include list, slip and strip.