ribband: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Obsolete/Highly Technical)Technical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “ribband” mean?
A length of wood or metal temporarily fixed to the frames of a ship under construction to hold them in correct position until the planks are fastened.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A length of wood or metal temporarily fixed to the frames of a ship under construction to hold them in correct position until the planks are fastened.
Historically, a flat strip of wood used in shipbuilding or a narrow band or ribbon; in some modern technical contexts, it can also refer to a slat or batten used in construction or as a guide.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference. Historically, both varieties used the term in naval architecture. It is equally archaic/technical in both.
Connotations
Purely technical, with strong historical connotations of wooden ship construction.
Frequency
Extremely rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “ribband” in a Sentence
The shipwrights fastened the [ribband] to the frames.They used a [ribband] as a guide for the planking.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or naval architecture papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain, specifically in traditional shipbuilding or restoration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribband”
- Misspelling as 'ribbon'.
- Using it in general contexts instead of 'strip' or 'slat'.
- Assuming it is a common modern word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While historically related, 'ribband' in its technical sense refers specifically to a shipbuilding component, not a decorative strip of fabric.
Only if they were working on the restoration of a historical wooden ship or using very traditional techniques. In modern construction, terms like 'temporary batten' or 'guide rail' are more common.
A 'rib' or 'frame' is a permanent structural member of the hull. A 'ribband' is a temporary piece of wood fastened to the ribs to hold them in the correct position during construction.
It would be highly unusual and likely misunderstood. Use 'strip', 'slat', or 'batten' instead, depending on the context.
A length of wood or metal temporarily fixed to the frames of a ship under construction to hold them in correct position until the planks are fastened.
Ribband is usually technical/historical in register.
Ribband: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪbənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪbənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RIB (like a ship's rib) and a BAND holding it together -> RIBBAND holds the ship's ribs in place.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TEMPORARY SCaffOLD is a RIBBAND FOR A SHIP (providing temporary structure and alignment).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'ribband' primarily used?