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Ribbons Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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.

Origin of 'ribbons'

The word 'ribbons' originated from the Middle English word 'riban' or 'ribband', which came from Old French 'riban' and ultimately from the Latin 'ribandus', meaning 'fillet'. Ribbons have been used for adornment and decoration for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where they were made from various materials like silk, satin, and even gold or silver threads. Over time, ribbons have evolved to symbolize different meanings in various contexts, from awards and honors to fashion and crafts.

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.