ribbon

ribbon [rib′ən]

n.

[ME riban < MFr riban, ruban < ? MDu ringband, collar < ring,RING² + band, akin to BAND¹]

1.

a) a narrow strip of silk, rayon, velvet, etc. finished at the edges and of various widths, used for decoration, tying things, etc.

b) material in such strips

2. anything suggesting such a strip [a ribbon of blue sky]

3. [pl.] 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.

a) 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]

b) 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. [pl.] Informal reins used in driving

vt.

1. to decorate, trim, or mark with or as with a ribbon or ribbons

2. to split or tear into ribbonlike strips or shreds

vi.

to extend or form in a ribbonlike strip or strips

ribbonlike

adj.