noun

1. 1. a narrow strip of silk, rayon, velvet, etc. finished at the edges and of various widths, used for decoration, tying things, etc.
   2. material in such strips
2. anything suggesting such a strip a ribbon of blue sky
3. torn strips or shreds; tatters a garment torn to ribbons
4. ☆ a narrow strip of inked cloth or plastic against which type characters strike for printing, as in a typewriter
5. 1. a small strip of colored cloth worn as a badge or awarded as a prize, symbol of honor or achievement, etc. winner of a blue ribbon
   2. Mil. a strip of cloth, often of many colors, worn on the left breast of the uniform to indicate an award of a decoration or medal
6. Informal reins used in driving

Etymology: ME riban < MFr riban, ruban < ? MDu ringband, collar < ring, ring + band, akin to band

transitive verb

1. to decorate, trim, or mark with or as with a ribbon or ribbons
2. to split or tear into ribbonlike strips or shreds

intransitive verb