Ribbon
/ˈrɪb.ən/noun
A narrow strip of fabric, paper, or other material.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Old French *riban*, and its earlier history is uncertain, but it likely spread through the same medieval textile world that made decorative bands symbols of rank, loyalty, and ceremony.
Etymological Timeline
Middle Ages
Old French
riban
“a strip or band, especially of cloth”
14th Century
Middle English
ribon
“a narrow band of material”
15th–16th Century
English
ribbon
“a decorative strip of cloth used for binding or ornament”
Modern English
English
ribbon
“a narrow strip of fabric, paper, or similar material”