ribbon

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”).

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• IPA^(key): /ˈɹɪbən/
• Rhymes: -ɪbən

ribbon (plural ribbons)

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

   a steel or magnesium ribbon

   sails torn to ribbons

4. (shipbuilding) Alternative form of ribband
5. (slang, dated, in the plural) reins for a horse.
   • 1887, James Inglis, Our New Zealand Cousins

     "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.

6. (heraldry) A bearing similar to the bend, but only one eighth as wide.
7. (spinning) A sliver.
8. (computing, graphical user interface) A toolbar that incorporates tabs and menus.
9. (cooking) In ice cream and similar confections, an ingredient (often chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, or fudge) added in a long narrow strip.

• riband

ribbon (third-person singular simple present ribbons, present participle ribboning, simple past and past participle ribboned)

1. (transitive) To decorate with ribbon.

   Synonym: beribbon

2. (transitive) To stripe or streak.

• Robbin, robbin