RIB-uhn
/ˈɹɪbən/
ribbon is pronounced RIB-uhn (/ˈɹɪbən/). A small strip or band, typically of fabric, used for tying, decoration, or securing objects. In addition to its decorative use, “ribbon” can denote a symbolic or ceremonial prize. The word emphasizes a smooth, continuous sound pattern with a light initial rise in syllable weight before the final unstressed syllable.
A small strip or band, typically of fabric, used for tying, decoration, or securing objects. In addition to its decorative use, “ribbon” can denote a symbolic or ceremonial prize. The word emphasizes a smooth, continuous sound pattern with a light initial rise in syllable weight before the final unstressed syllable.
- You may insert extra vowel sounds in the second syllable (saying /ˈrɪbiːn/ or /ˈrɪbɒn/). Aim for the short, relaxed /ən/ at the end. - Another error is over-articulating the /b/ leading to a choppy sequence; keep /b/ as a single-stop before a soft vowel. - Some learners stress the second syllable or misplace stress as /riˈbɒn/; remember the primary stress is on the first syllable. Correction tips: practice with minimal pairs (RIB-on vs rib-ON), slow down to feel timing, and use a light, quick /ə/ before /n/.
"She tied a blue ribbon around the gift."
"The winner wore a gold ribbon on their lapel."
"Ribbons fluttered from the parade banners."
Pronounce it as /ˈrɪbən/ with primary stress on the first syllable. The first vowel is a short, lax /ɪ/ as in
Common errors include pronouncing the second syllable with a strong vowel like /iː/ or /oʊ/ and misplacing stress as /rí-bon/; another is adding an extra consonant sound or linking the /b/ too tightly to the following schwa, producing /ˈrɪbɪn/. Correct by maintaining a clear /ə/ in the second syllable and keeping the /b/ as a single stop before the reduced vowel.
Across accents, the rhoticity doesn’t affect the /ˈrɪbən/ core, but vowel quality may shift: US often has a lighter, shorter /ɪ/ and a more reduced final /ən/; UK may show a slightly crisper /b/ and a more centralized schwa; AU tends toward a slightly broader, lax /ɪ/ with a softer /ən/ ending. Overall, the rhythm remains strong-weak, but vowel reduction and intonation patterns reflect regional tendencies.
It’s tricky because of the syllable boundary between /ˈrɪ/ and /bə n/?—the /ə/ becomes a weak vowel that can blur with surrounding consonants in fast speech. The /ɹ/ onset must be clean, and the /b/ should not be released too strongly into the schwa. The final /ən/ requires a relaxed, almost nasal vowel. Practicing with controlled breath helps you maintain crisp onset, proper timing, and a natural, non-stressed final syllable.
Focus on a crisp /ˈrɪ/ onset, then quickly move to a light /b/ plosive into a weak /ə/ (schwa) before a final /n/. Keep the tongue low-mid for /ɪ/ and avoid tensing your jaw. IPA anchors: /ˈrɪbən/. Say the syllables slowly at first, then blend on a single breath for natural connected speech.
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- US: /ˈɹɪbən/ with a slightly shorter /ɪ/ and a quick, muted /ə/; non-rhotic varieties affect only rhoticity in connected speech, but the word remains stressed on the first syllable. - UK: /ˈrɪbən/ with crisp /b/ and slightly more centralized vowel for /ə/; practice with a clipped termination. - AU: /ˈɹɪbən/ with an even more relaxed final /ən/ and a flatter mouth position. Reference IPA and pay attention to the final schwa’s quality in each variety.
Ribbon derives from Old French ruban ‘a little red or brown cord or thread,’ itself from ruber ‘red’ or rubare ‘to sew or bind’ in Latin. The word entered English in the 14th century as rubban or rubyn, later solidifying into ribbon. Historically, ribbons were narrow, decorative bands used in fashion and heraldry, often dyed in vivid colors to signal status or affiliation. The semantic shift toward a longer, narrower strip for tying and decoration occurred as textile production improved in the medieval and early modern periods. By the 16th–18th centuries, “ribbon” also appeared in ceremonial contexts—for example, prize ribbons or chivalric awards—before becoming a general term for any decorative fabric strip. The core notion centers on a slender, flexible strip that both binds and embellishes. First known usage attested in Middle English texts; the modern sense as a decorative strip is well-established by the 17th century and has since diversified into fashion, crafts, awards, and branding contexts.
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Help others use "ribbon" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "ribbon" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "ribbon" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "ribbon"
-al) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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