What does ribband mean?
A ribband is a narrow band or ribbon, especially one used to decorate or secure clothing or headwear. It can refer to a strip of fabric trimming a bonnet, a ribbon associated with a sailor’s cap, or a similar small decorative band. In everyday modern English, “ribbon” and “band” are much more common, and “riband” is often the preferred spelling when discussing the older word. “Ribband” consequently has a literary or historical character, lending period colour to descriptions of dress, uniforms, or traditional customs. Although uncommon, it is useful because it distinguishes a specific narrow textile band from the broader modern category of ribbons and can evoke older forms of dress and nautical usage. In the plural, “ribbands” is straightforward and regular.
nounA narrow band or ribbon, especially one used as decoration or trim on clothing or headwear. The term is now chiefly literary or historical and is also a spelling variant of “riband.”
- A narrow strip of fabric used as a tie, band, or decorative trim, particularly on a cap or bonnet.
"A narrow ribband trimmed the brim of her bonnet."
"A black ribband was fastened around the back of the sailor’s cap."
"The old gown was edged with a narrow ribband of faded blue silk."
The regular plural is used when referring to several narrow bands or ribbons.
"Coloured ribbands decorated the dancers’ caps."
Once a familiar form of “riband,” ribband survives chiefly in old books, sailors’ clothing, and the occasional flourish of period language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ribband come from?
Ribband developed from Middle English rebende, through an Anglo-French or Old French form ribende. It belongs to the same word family as “riband” and “ribbon,” whose spelling eventually became standard. These forms are generally connected with the Germanic root represented by English “bind.”
How ribband is actually used
The word is rare in contemporary usage and is chiefly literary, historical, or deliberately archaic. “Riband” is the spelling most often encountered in historical sources and dictionaries.
Easily confused with ribband
“Riband” is the more conventional spelling in modern references, while “ribband” is a less common historical variant with essentially the same meaning.
“Ribbon” is the familiar modern word for a decorative strip of fabric, whereas “ribband” is rarer and often refers specifically to a narrow band or trim.