How to pronounce ribbon
Say it like RIB-un. Ribbon has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ribbon. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RIB
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ribbon pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ribbon
American and British speakers say ribbon in essentially the same way: /ˈrɪbən/ in the US and /ˈrɪbən/ in the UK.
British respelling: RIB-un.
What does ribbon mean?
- any long object resembling a thin line“a mere ribbon of land”“the lighted ribbon of traffic”
- an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
- a long strip of inked material for making characters on paper with a typewriter
Where does ribbon come from?
From Middle English riban, ryban, ryband, from Old French riban, ruban ( > modern French ruban), of uncertain origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ribbon
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ribbon.
Questions about saying ribbon
How do you pronounce ribbon?
Say RIB-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪbən/. In British English it is /ˈrɪbən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ribbon?
Ribbon has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIB). Broken into parts: RIB · un.
Do Americans and Brits say ribbon the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɪbən/ and the British form is /ˈrɪbən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.