Rib

/rɪb/

Meaning & Definition

noun

One of the curved bones that form the rib cage, protecting the thoracic cavity and supporting the chest.

She felt a sharp pain in her rib after falling during the soccer match.

A similar structure in some animals, especially those with a ribcage.

The paleontologist discovered rib fossils from a dinosaur species.

A cut of meat from the rib section of an animal, typically beef or pork.

He ordered a rack of ribs smothered in barbecue sauce.

verb

To tease or make fun of someone in a playful manner.

His friends loved to rib him about his obsession with classic cars.

To provide ribbing or support; to strengthen.

They ribbed the structure with additional beams to ensure it could withstand the storm.

Middle English 'ribbe', from Old English 'ribb'.

rib cage

The bony structure that encases the chest organs.

to rib someone

To make fun of or tease someone.

costal

Pertaining to the ribs.

sternum

The bone to which the ribs are connected.

To tease or joke.

They always rib each other about their sports teams.

Referring to someone's ribs in a playful manner.

He poked me in the ribs while we laughed.