Ribbon
'rɪbən
Definitions
2 meaningsA narrow strip of fabric, typically used for tying something or for decoration.
'rɪbən
A narrow strip of material, used for tying something or for decoration.
The little girl wore a bright pink ribbon in her hair.
💡 Simply: Think of those pretty strips of fabric you see on presents, or in your hair. That's a ribbon! It's like a long, thin piece you can use to tie things or make them look nice.
👶 For kids: A ribbon is a long, thin piece of cloth used to tie things or make them look pretty.
More Examples
He wrapped the package with a blue ribbon.
The gymnast's performance included a graceful dance with a ribbon.
How It's Used
"She tied her hair back with a silk ribbon."
"The present was wrapped with a festive red ribbon."
"The gymnast used a ribbon during her routine."
To decorate or tie something with a ribbon.
'rɪbən
To adorn or tie something with a ribbon.
She ribboned the gift with a beautiful red bow.
💡 Simply: To 'ribbon' something means to add a ribbon to it. Like, if you put a ribbon on a gift, you 'ribbon' the gift!
👶 For kids: To ribbon something means to put a ribbon on it.
More Examples
He ribboned his daughter's hair for the school dance.
The florist ribboned the bouquet of flowers.
How It's Used
"She ribboned the package with a delicate bow."
"She ribboned her hair with a satin bow."
Idioms & expressions
cut the ribbon
To officially open a new place or event.
"The mayor will cut the ribbon to open the new community center."
a blue ribbon
Awarded for first place or highest quality.
"The chef won a blue ribbon for his apple pie."
From Middle English riban, from Old French ruban, of uncertain origin, possibly related to a Germanic root meaning "strip."
Ribbons were extensively used in fashion and adornment during the 18th and 19th centuries, often elaborately displayed on clothing and hairstyles.
Memory tip
Imagine a delicate strip of cloth you use to tie a gift or braid into your hair.
Word Origin
"strip"