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Added 9 October 2026

ribbon

/ˈɹɪbən/ noun

In Latin: clipeum, taenia, taeniola Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ribbon at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A long, narrow strip of material used for decoration of clothing or the hair or gift wrapping.
An awareness ribbon.
An inked strip of material against which type is pressed to print letters in a typewriter or printer.

verb

To decorate with ribbon.
To stripe or streak.

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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