ribbony


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rib·bon

 (rĭb′ən)
n.
1. A narrow strip or band of fabric, especially a fine fabric such as satin or velvet, finished at the edges and used for trimming, tying, or finishing.
2.
a. Something, such as a tape measure, that resembles a ribbon.
b. A long thin strip: a ribbon of sand along the shore.
3. ribbons Tattered or ragged strips: a dress torn to ribbons.
4. An inked strip of cloth used for making an impression, as in a typewriter.
5.
a. A band of colored cloth signifying membership in an order or the award of a prize.
b. A strip of colored cloth worn on the left breast of a uniform to indicate the award of a medal or decoration.
6. ribbons Informal Reins for driving horses.
tr.v. rib·boned, rib·bon·ing, rib·bons
1. To decorate or tie with ribbons.
2. To tear into ribbons or shreds.

[Middle English ribban, riban, from Old French ruban, probably of Germanic origin; see bhendh- in Indo-European roots.]

rib′bon·y adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adj.1.ribbony - long and thin; resembling a ribbon; "ribbonlike noodles"
thin - of relatively small extent from one surface to the opposite or in cross section; "thin wire"; "a thin chiffon blouse"; "a thin book"; "a thin layer of paint"
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
References in periodicals archive ?
Roberta sits in a cafe with magazines "featuring tanned girls with ribbony limbs, all pigtails and peasant dresses." These images exemplify how the shears of societal expectations clip away at women's bodies, until only uniform silhouettes remain.
I revolve in pathless places and in higher rocks than the world and his ribbony wife can reach."
Pappardelle's ribbony shape elevates weeknight pasta dinners.