ribbon
A ribbon is a long, thin strip of fabric, plastic, or paper used for decoration or tying things. It is commonly used to wrap gifts, tie hair, or mark an achievement as a prize.
Examples
3 of 5She tied a beautiful silk ribbon around the birthday present.
She tied a beautiful silk strip around the birthday present.
The mayor will cut the ribbon to officially open the new city bridge.
The official will cut the decorative strip to officially open the new city bridge.
I found some old ribbon in the drawer to use for my craft project.
I found some old fabric strips in the drawer to use for my craft project.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'Ribbon' wrapped around a 'Rib' (the bone) like a gift to remember the spelling and sound.
Quick Quiz
The girl put a yellow ____ in her hair to match her dress.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ribbon
Examples
She tied a beautiful silk ribbon around the birthday present.
everydayShe tied a beautiful silk strip around the birthday present.
The mayor will cut the ribbon to officially open the new city bridge.
formalThe official will cut the decorative strip to officially open the new city bridge.
I found some old ribbon in the drawer to use for my craft project.
informalI found some old fabric strips in the drawer to use for my craft project.
The data displayed on the screen resembled a thin ribbon of light.
academicThe data displayed on the screen looked like a thin strip of light.
Our product was awarded a blue ribbon for its innovative design.
businessOur product was awarded a first-prize strip for its innovative design.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
blue ribbon
the highest prize or first place in a competition
ribbon-cutting ceremony
an event to celebrate the opening of a new building
cut to ribbons
to be badly damaged or severely criticized
Often Confused With
A rib is a bone in the chest, while a ribbon is a strip of fabric.
A robin is a type of bird, whereas a ribbon is an object for decoration.
Usage Notes
Use 'ribbon' when referring to decorative strips. It can also be used as a verb meaning to adorn with ribbons or to tear something into long strips.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'string' when they mean 'ribbon'. String is usually thin and functional, while ribbon is wider and usually decorative.
Memory Tip
Visualize a 'Ribbon' wrapped around a 'Rib' (the bone) like a gift to remember the spelling and sound.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English word 'ribane', which comes from the Old French 'riban'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, a blue ribbon is the traditional symbol for winning first place in a contest or fair.
Quick Quiz
The girl put a yellow ____ in her hair to match her dress.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ribbon
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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