Ribbon Meaning
/ˈɹɪbən/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA long, narrow strip of material used for decoration of clothing or the hair or gift wrapping.
nounAn awareness ribbon.
Sentence Examples
Could you tie it with a ribbon?
The cat had a ribbon around its neck.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
She tied a colorful ____ around the gift box to make it look pretty.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She tied a red ____ around the gift box and added a small card with a handwritten message.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English riban, ryban, ryband, from Old French riban, ruban ( > modern French ruban), of uncertain origin. Likely from a Germanic compound whose second element is cognate with English band. Compare Middle Dutch ringhband (“necklace”, literally “ring-band”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A Svveet diſorder in the dreſſe / Kindles in cloathes a vvantonneſſe: / […] / A Cuffe neglectfull, and thereby / Ribbands to flovv confuſedly: / […] / Do more bevvitch me, than vvhen Art / Is too preciſe in every part."
— 1648, Robert Herrick, “Delight in Disorder”, in Hesperides: Or, The Works both Humane & Divine […], London: […] John Williams, and Francis Eglesfield, and are to be sold by Tho[mas] Hunt, […], →OCLC, page 29:
"With Monday marking the beginning of October’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance, supporters will be donning their pink ribbons as a show of support for ongoing research for a cure."
— 2018 October 1, Olivia B. Waxman, “Wearing a Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness? Here's How Awareness Ribbons Became a Thing”, in Time:
"Late at night, in the typewriter light / Ripped his ribbon to shreds"
— 1989, Paul Heaton, Dave Rotheray, “Song for Whoever”, performed by The Beautiful South:
"They were single-shift, frontstroke, typebar typewriters with four-bank QWERTY keyboards, inked by a ribbon."
— 2018, Mark J. P. Wolf, The Routledge Companion to Media Technology and Obsolescence:
""Here, sir, hold the ribbons." This to me, throwing me the reins. Jack got down from his perch, and after a little search in the bush was rewarded by the capture of the poor dazed pigeon, who was consigned to safe custody in the boot."
— 1887, James Inglis, Our New Zealand Cousins:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She tied a colorful ____ around the gift box to make it look pretty.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She tied a red ____ around the gift box and added a small card with a handwritten message.