ribbon

/'ribən/
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Thân thiện
ribbon

The gymnast holds a long ribbon during her floor routine.

Definition

Noun: 1. A narrow strip of fine material used for decoration or tying: A ribbon is a long, thin piece of fabric, often made of silk or satin, used for tying things or as a decorative trim on clothing, gifts, or hair. 2. A long strip of inked material used in typewriters or printers: This refers to the cloth or film strip coated with ink that transfers characters onto paper in certain machines. 3. An award or symbol of honor: A ribbon can be a strip of colored cloth, often worn on a uniform or attached to a medal, given as a prize or to signify membership or achievement. 4. Any long, thin, narrow object or shape: This meaning describes anything that resembles a thin line or strip, such as a narrow piece of land, a line of traffic, or a trail of smoke.

Usage Examples
  • As a decorative strip:
    • She tied a red ribbon in her hair.
    • The gift was wrapped with a shiny gold ribbon.
  • As a typewriter/printer component:
    • The old typewriter needs a new ink ribbon.
  • As an award or symbol:
    • He won a blue ribbon for first place at the science fair.
    • The soldier proudly wore his campaign ribbons.
  • As a long, thin object:
    • A ribbon of asphalt cut through the forest.
    • A ribbon of light appeared on the horizon at dawn.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be cut/torn to ribbons": To be severely damaged or torn into many long, thin pieces.
    • His coat was torn to ribbons by the thorns.
    • The critic's harsh review cut the film to ribbons.
  • "ribbon development": (British English) The building of houses in a long line along a main road, extending out from a town or city.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ribboned (adj.): Decorated with or having ribbons.
    • The ribboned hat was very elegant.
  • Ribbon-like (adj.): Resembling a ribbon in shape; long and thin.
    • The eel had a ribbon-like body.
Synonyms
  • Strip: A long, narrow piece of material.
  • Band: A flat, thin strip or loop of material.
  • Sash: A long strip of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist.
  • Fillet: A narrow band or ribbon, especially one worn around the head.
Related Phrases
  • Blue ribbon: A symbol of first prize or highest quality.
    • This is a blue-ribbon panel of experts.
  • Red ribbon: Often used as a symbol for awareness of HIV/AIDS or for substance abuse prevention.
ribbon

The gymnast holds a long ribbon during her floor routine.

Noun
  1. notion consisting of a narrow strip of fine material used for trimming
  2. a long strip of inked material for making characters on paper with a typewriter
  3. an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
  4. any long object resembling a thin line
    • a mere ribbon of land
    • the lighted ribbon of traffic
    • from the air the road was a grey thread
    • a thread of smoke climbed upward