SKIP TO CONTENT

ribbed

/rɪbd/
/rɪbd/
IPA guide

Something that's ribbed is covered in rows of raised lines, like a ribbed sweater or a pair of ribbed corduroys.

You probably have ribbed clothes in your wardrobe, like a ribbed jacket or ribbed knit cap. Your sofa might also be ribbed, with a pattern of raised bands on its surface. Other ribbed things include structures that are made sturdier using rib-like, parallel pieces of material. The adjective ribbed comes from rib and its Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to roof" or "to cover."

Definitions of ribbed
  1. adjective
    (of the surface) having a rough, riblike texture
    synonyms: costate
    rough, unsmooth
    having or caused by an irregular surface
  2. adjective
    furnished or strengthened with ribs
    synonyms:
    costate
    having ribs
    riblike
    resembling a rib
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    ribless
    having no ribs or no visible ribs
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘ribbed'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family