rib: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “rib” mean?
One of a series of curved bones that form the chest cavity, protecting the lungs and heart.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of a series of curved bones that form the chest cavity, protecting the lungs and heart.
A curved structural or supporting member resembling an anatomical rib; also, a cut of meat containing one or more such bones.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. Culinary terms (e.g., 'rib of beef', 'prime rib') are used similarly.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Similar frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “rib” in a Sentence
VERB + rib: break, crack, fracture, poke (someone in the)ADJ + rib: broken, cracked, spare, primeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rib” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His friends would gently rib him about his new, extravagant haircut.
- The comedian ribbed the politicians in his latest routine.
American English
- Don't rib him too hard about losing the game; he's really upset.
- The talk show host is known for ribbing his guests in a friendly way.
adjective
British English
- He ordered the rib steak with a side of chips.
- The jumper had a subtle, ribbed texture.
American English
- She prefers a rib knit sweater for the winter.
- We're having prime rib for the holiday dinner.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like the restaurant industry (e.g., 'rib special').
Academic
Common in biological, anatomical, and medical contexts.
Everyday
Common in contexts of health, injury, and food.
Technical
Used in anatomy, butchery, aeronautics (wing ribs), and architecture (vault ribs).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rib”
- Incorrect plural: 'ribs' is correct. Using 'rib' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'He ribbed me' means teased, not hit in the ribs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it refers to the same bone structure in all vertebrate animals. We also talk about 'ribs' in meat from animals like pigs and cows.
It's an informal verb meaning to tease or make gentle fun of someone in a good-natured way.
'Prime rib' is a large, premium cut of beef from the rib section, often roasted. 'Spare ribs' (or just 'ribs') are pork ribs, typically cut into individual pieces and grilled or barbecued.
Yes. It commonly describes similar structural supports in objects like umbrellas, boats, aircraft wings, and in knitting patterns ('ribbed knit').
One of a series of curved bones that form the chest cavity, protecting the lungs and heart.
Rib is usually neutral in register.
Rib: in British English it is pronounced /rɪb/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stick to your ribs (of food: be hearty and filling)”
- “dig/poke someone in the ribs (to nudge someone, especially to draw attention humorously)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RIB as a bony CURVE. The word itself is short and curved, like the letter 'C' - which is the shape of a rib.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A SKELETON / PROTECTION IS A CAGE (e.g., 'the ribbed vault of the cathedral', 'a ribbed fabric').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'rib' used metaphorically?