ripening

/ˈraɪpənɪŋ/
noun
  1. The process of becoming ripe.
    • The ripening of the fruit was delayed by the cold spring.
    • The ripening of the cheese takes several months in the cellar.
    • Warm weather speeds up the ripening of strawberries.
Synonyms
adjective
  1. Becoming ripe; in the process of reaching full development.
    • The ripening tomatoes turned a deep red on the vine.
    • A ripening banana gives off a sweet smell.
    • We picked the ripening apples before the birds got them.
What does "ripening" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean