Ribbons: meaning, definitions and examples

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ribbons

[ˈrɪbənz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

decorative material

Ribbons are narrow strips of material, such as silk or satin, typically used for decoration or tying things together. They are often colorful and can be found in various lengths and widths.

Synonyms

band, strip, tape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
strip	Use for a long, narrow piece of material or land, often having a functional and sometimes industrial connotation. They cut the wood into long strips There is a strip of land between the two properties
band	Use for a narrow piece of material, usually stretchy, that can wrap around an object for practical purposes such as holding things together or wearing around the wrist. He wore a fitness band to track his activity The bundle of papers was secured with a rubber band
tape	Use for adhesive material used to stick things together, can be clear for wrapping or colored for labeling or decorating. It can also refer to magnetic storage media. She used some transparent tape to wrap the gift The old music player had cassette tapes for playing songs

Word

Description / Examples

strip

Use for a long, narrow piece of material or land, often having a functional and sometimes industrial connotation.

They cut the wood into long strips
There is a strip of land between the two properties

band

Use for a narrow piece of material, usually stretchy, that can wrap around an object for practical purposes such as holding things together or wearing around the wrist.

He wore a fitness band to track his activity
The bundle of papers was secured with a rubber band

tape

Use for adhesive material used to stick things together, can be clear for wrapping or colored for labeling or decorating. It can also refer to magnetic storage media.

She used some transparent tape to wrap the gift
The old music player had cassette tapes for playing songs

Examples of usage

She tied a ribbon around the gift box.
The dancers wore ribbons in their hair.
The winner of the race was awarded a blue ribbon.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computer science

In computer science, ribbons refer to a graphical control element in the form of a set of toolbars placed on several tabs. They are used in software applications to group various functions and commands in a visually appealing and accessible way.

Synonyms

menu bar, toolbar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ribbons	Used mostly in software interfaces to describe a horizontal row of tabs and tool groups that organize functions in a visually attractive way. 'The new word processor uses ribbons for better accessibility of features ' 'You can find most formatting options in the ribbons at the top of the screen '
toolbar	Typically used to reference a horizontal or vertical bar in software containing icons or buttons that execute commands when clicked. 'Click on the paintbrush icon in the toolbar to start drawing ' 'You can customize which tools are shown in your toolbar '
menu bar	Common in software programs to describe a horizontal bar, usually at the top of a window, that lists menus like File, Edit, View, etc. 'Open the File menu from the menu bar to save your document ' 'The menu bar provides easy access to all the main functions '

Word

Description / Examples

ribbons

Used mostly in software interfaces to describe a horizontal row of tabs and tool groups that organize functions in a visually attractive way.

'The new word processor uses ribbons for better accessibility of features
' 'You can find most formatting options in the ribbons at the top of the screen
'

toolbar

Typically used to reference a horizontal or vertical bar in software containing icons or buttons that execute commands when clicked.

'Click on the paintbrush icon in the toolbar to start drawing
' 'You can customize which tools are shown in your toolbar
'

menu bar

Common in software programs to describe a horizontal bar, usually at the top of a window, that lists menus like File, Edit, View, etc.

'Open the File menu from the menu bar to save your document
' 'The menu bar provides easy access to all the main functions
'

Examples of usage

The new software update includes a redesigned ribbon interface.
Users can customize the ribbon to suit their workflow.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'ribbon' comes from the Old French word 'ribbon,' which means 'a strip or band.'
In medieval Europe, ribbons were used to display heraldic colors and symbols, often worn by knights and nobles.
Ribbons became more popular during the 17th century as fashion statements in both clothing and accessories.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, ribbons are used in celebrations like weddings and birthdays to symbolize unity and love.
The practice of tying ribbons around trees can represent support for social causes, similar to wearing colored wristbands.
Different colors of ribbons can signify various causes, such as pink for breast cancer awareness and blue for child abuse prevention.

Art and Craft

Ribbons are often essential in crafts, used in scrapbooking, gift-wrapping, and making decorative bows.
The art of making decorative items with ribbons, such as kanzashi in Japan, showcases intricate folding techniques.
Ribbons are used in performance arts, like dance, where dancers twirl them to create visual effects and storytelling.

Science and Technology

In computing, 'ribbon' refers to a user interface element that organizes tools and features visually.
Research in material science is exploring ribbon-like structures, like banded layers at the nanoscale, for innovative applications.
The production of ribbons involves weaving techniques that vary in texture, contributing to their durability and elasticity.

Fashion

Fashion designers use ribbons as stylish accents in clothing, footwear, and handbags to add flair and interest.
In the 19th century, ribbons became a popular trim for hats and dresses, symbolizing elegance and femininity.
Many haute couture collections integrate ribbons in unique ways, demonstrating their versatility in fashion design.

Translations

Translations of the word "ribbons" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fitas

🇮🇳 रिबन

🇩🇪 Bänder

🇮🇩 pita

🇺🇦 стрічки

🇵🇱 wstążki

🇯🇵 リボン

🇫🇷 rubans

🇪🇸 cintas

🇹🇷 kurdeleler

🇰🇷 리본

🇸🇦 أشرطة

🇨🇿 stuhy

🇸🇰 stuhy

🇨🇳 丝带

🇸🇮 trakovi

🇮🇸 borðar

🇰🇿 ленталар

🇬🇪 ლენტები

🇦🇿 lentlər

🇲🇽 cintas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,119, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12116 septic
12117 obstinate
12118 recollections
12119 ribbons
12120 endeavouring
12121 deceit
12122 scratched
...