ripe

The definition of ripe is something fully grown or ready to be eaten, used or implemented.

(adjective)

An example of ripe is a soft avocado.
An example of ripe is a cheese that has obtained its final flavor and texture.
An example of ripe is being fully prepared for something such as to be ripe for a vacation.

See ripe in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective riper, ripest

fully grown or developed; specif., ready to be harvested and used for food, as grain or fruit
like ripe fruit, as in being ruddy and full: ripe lips
sufficiently advanced, as by being kept in storage or subjected to treatment, to be ready for use: ripe wine, ripe cheese
fully or highly developed by study, experience, etc.; mature as in judgment, knowledge, etc.: ripe wisdom
1. characterized by full physical or mental development: a person of ripe years
2. advanced in years: the ripe age of ninety
ready to do, receive, or undergo something; fully prepared: ripe for marriage
ready for some operation, treatment, or process: a boil ripe for lancing
sufficiently advanced; far enough along (for some purpose): said of time
having a strong, unpleasant smell

Origin: OE, akin to reap

Related Forms:

See ripe in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective rip·er, rip·est

Fully developed; mature: ripe peaches.
Resembling matured fruit, as in fullness.
Sufficiently advanced in preparation or aging to be used or eaten: ripe cheese.
Thoroughly matured, as by study or experience; seasoned: ripe judgment.
Advanced in years: the ripe age of 90.
Fully prepared to do or undergo something; ready: “By 1965 the republic was ripe for a coup” (Alex Shoumatoff).
Sufficiently advanced; opportune: The time is ripe for great societal changes.
Exhibiting overtones of or references to sex; scatological: “The language on the stage was riper than anything I have heard in a lifetime of newspaper work” (John Hughes).
Emitting a foul odor, especially body odor.