rib
gb/ɹˈɪb/ us/ɹˈɪb/
A2
English
~ 7800
borda, oldalas, ugrat, cukkol, merevítőborda, bordázat, passzé, zellerszár, ugratás, ugrató megjegyzés, főér, középér
NOUN
A2
1
borda
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s rib; the ribs
He broke three ribs when he fell off his bike.
Három bordája eltört, amikor leesett a biciklijéről.
The X-ray showed a small crack in her left rib.
A röntgenfelvételen egy kis repedés látszott a bal bordáján.
My ribs hurt every time I take a deep breath.
Wearing a seat belt can help protect your ribs in a car crash.
Learner examples
The doctor said my rib was broken.
Az orvos azt mondta, hogy eltört a bordám.
I hit my rib on the table.
Beütöttem a bordámat az asztalba.
His ribs were sore after the game.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "rib" with "ribbon" in listening, but they are completely different words. Also, "rib" is usually countable for a single bone (one rib, two ribs). Use "ribs" to talk about more than one bone.
Meaning
Curved bone in the chest
Collocations
broken rib
|fractured rib
|cracked rib
|bruised ribs
|rib cage
|rib injury
Synonyms
costal bone (More technical; used mainly in medical or anatomical contexts.)
Themes
body
|health
Definition
One of the curved bones in your chest that protect your heart and lungs.
One of the series of curved bones that form the sides of the chest and help protect the heart and lungs.
NOUN
B1
2
oldalas
B1
Usage pattern:
a rib of [meat]; [number] ribs
We ordered a full rack of ribs to share.
Egy egész oldalast rendeltünk, hogy megosszuk.
She marinated the pork ribs overnight before grilling them.
Grillezés előtt egy éjszakán át pácolta a sertésoldalast.
The restaurant is famous for its spicy barbecue ribs.
He bought two racks of beef short ribs for the party.
Learner examples
We had ribs for dinner.
Vacsorára oldalast ettünk.
She cooked pork ribs on the grill.
Sertésoldalast sütött a grillen.
I like to eat ribs with barbecue sauce.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "rib meats" or "rib bones" when they simply mean "ribs" as a dish. Just saying "ribs" is natural in a food context (e.g. "We’re having ribs tonight").
Meaning
Cut of meat with rib bone
Collocations
barbecued ribs
|pork ribs
|beef ribs
|rack of ribs
|spare ribs
|short ribs
Synonyms
spare ribs (Very common name for a popular style or dish of ribs, especially pork, often marinated and grilled.)
Antonyms
boneless meat (Emphasizes that the meat has no bones, unlike ribs which always include bone.)
Themes
food
|cooking
|food_drink
Definition
A piece of meat that comes from the ribs of an animal and still has the bone in it.
A cut of meat from the rib section of an animal, usually served with the rib bone still attached.
VERB
B2
INFORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
to rib [someone] about [something]
They like to rib him about his terrible singing voice.
Szeretik ugratni a borzalmas énekhangja miatt.
She gently ribbed her brother for being late again.
Finoman ugratta a bátyját, amiért megint elkésett.
My coworkers ribbed me all week about my new haircut.
He’s always ribbing his friends, but they know he doesn’t mean any harm.
Learner examples
My friends rib me about my old phone.
A barátaim ugratnak a régi telefonom miatt.
She ribbed him about his new hat.
Ugratta az új kalapja miatt.
They like to rib each other at lunch.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "rib" as a verb sounds strong or rude because it is related to hitting someone in the ribs. In modern English, verbal "rib" almost always means light, friendly teasing, not physical hitting.
Meaning
Tease someone in fun
Collocations
rib someone about
|good-naturedly rib
|lightly rib
|constantly rib
|rib each other
Synonyms
tease (More general; can be friendly or hurtful, while "rib" usually sounds playful and friendly.)
Antonyms
reassure (Instead of making playful jokes, you calm someone and make them feel better.)
Themes
communication
|humor
|emotions
|relationships
Definition
To make friendly jokes about someone, not to be mean but for fun.
To tease or joke with someone in a friendly, good-natured way.
NOUN
B1
4
borda
A2
Usage pattern:
in the ribs; [someone]'s ribs
She poked him in the ribs to get his attention.
Bordán bökte, hogy felhívja magára a figyelmét.
He got a sharp pain in his ribs when he started running.
Éles fájdalmat érzett a bordái között, amikor futni kezdett.
Someone elbowed me in the ribs on the crowded bus.
The comedian’s joke had the crowd clutching their ribs with laughter.
Learner examples
He hit me in the ribs by mistake.
Véletlenül a bordáimat ütötte meg.
My ribs hurt when I laugh.
Fájnak a bordáim, amikor nevetek.
She gave me a little push in the ribs.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "on the ribs" instead of "in the ribs" when talking about being hit (say "He poked me in the ribs," not "on the ribs").
Meaning
Side area of the chest
Collocations
poke in the ribs
|jab in the ribs
|elbow in the ribs
|stitch in the ribs
|pain in the ribs
Themes
body
|daily life
|health
Definition
The side of your body at chest level where your ribs are.
The side part of the chest where the ribs are, often referred to when touching, hitting, or feeling pain there.
NOUN
B2
5
borda
B2
Usage pattern:
the ribs of [something]
One of the ribs of my umbrella snapped in the wind.
Az ernyőm egyik bordája eltört a szélben.
The aircraft’s wing ribs are made of lightweight metal.
A repülőgép szárnybordái könnyűfémből készülnek.
Steel ribs support the concrete roof of the stadium.
The old wooden ribs of the ship needed to be replaced.
Learner examples
The ribs of my umbrella are broken.
Az ernyőm bordái eltörtek.
Metal ribs support the roof.
Fémbordák tartják a tetőt.
The wing has many ribs inside it.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes do not realize this sense exists and instead describe it loosely as "bars inside" or "sticks inside" an object. "Ribs" is the precise word for these supporting parts in many tools and structures.
Meaning
Supporting bar in a structure
Collocations
ribs of the umbrella
|ribs of the wing
|steel ribs
|ribs of the ship
|concrete ribs
Synonyms
reinforcing bar (Used mainly in engineering; not always curved and more specific to construction materials.)
Themes
construction
|engineering
|technology
|work
Definition
A long thin piece inside something, like an umbrella or a wing, that helps to hold its shape and make it strong.
A long, narrow part, often curved, that supports or strengthens a structure or object, such as an umbrella, ship, aircraft wing, or arch.
NOUN
B2
6
Usage pattern:
a rib in [fabric]; rib knit
The sweater has a wide rib at the hem and cuffs.
A pulóver alján és az ujjain széles passzé van.
Rib knit fabric is often used for stretchy waistbands.
A bordás kötött anyagot gyakran használják rugalmas derékpántokhoz.
She prefers socks with a fine rib for a closer fit.
The pattern calls for two-by-two rib along the edges.
Learner examples
My sweater has a ribbed neck.
A pulóverem nyaka bordás.
These socks have a small rib pattern.
Ezeken a zoknikon apró bordás minta van.
Rib knit is good for cuffs on a jacket.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "ribbed" only describes appearance. In clothing, it also suggests stretch and texture created by repeated ribs in the knitting pattern.
Meaning
Raised line in knitted fabric
Collocations
rib knit
|rib pattern
|ribbed cuffs
|ribbed collar
|fine ribs
Synonyms
ridge (More general; describes any raised line, not specifically in fabric or knitting.)
Themes
clothing
|crafts
|daily_life
Definition
A line that stands up slightly in cloth, especially in knitted clothes, made by a special pattern.
A raised vertical or horizontal line in knitted or woven fabric, created as part of a repeating pattern to give stretch or texture.
NOUN
B2
7
zellerszár
B1
Usage pattern:
[number] ribs of celery
Add two ribs of celery, finely chopped, to the soup.
Adj a leveshez két apróra vágott zellerszárat.
She sliced a rib of celery and some carrots for the salad.
Felszeletelt egy zellerszárat és néhány sárgarépát a salátához.
The recipe calls for three celery ribs and an onion.
Learner examples
Cut one rib of celery into small pieces.
Vágj apróra egy zellerszárat.
He ate a rib of celery with peanut butter.
Egy zellerszárat evett mogyoróvajjal.
We need two ribs of celery for this soup.
Common mistake:
Learners often see "rib of celery" in recipes and think it is a different plant part. It simply means one celery stalk from the bunch.
Meaning
Single stalk of celery
Collocations
rib of celery
|two ribs of celery
|chopped ribs of celery
|celery ribs
Synonyms
stalk (More general word for a long thin part of a plant; "rib" is often used specifically for celery in recipes.)
Themes
food
|cooking
|food_drink
|daily_life
Definition
One long piece from a bunch of celery, used in cooking.
One long stalk taken from a bunch of celery or a similar vegetable, used especially in cooking instructions.
NOUN
C1
INFORMAL
8
ugratás
B1
Usage pattern:
just a rib; a friendly rib
Don’t be upset, it was only a rib.
Ne sértődj meg, csak ugratás volt.
He can give a good rib, but he can’t always take one.
Jól tud másokat ugratni, de nem mindig viseli jól, ha őt ugratják.
Her comments were more of a friendly rib than real criticism.
Learner examples
It was just a rib, not a serious comment.
Csak ugratás volt, nem komoly megjegyzés.
He made a small rib about my shoes.
Elejtett egy kis ugrató megjegyzést a cipőmről.
I know it is a rib, so I do not feel bad.
Common mistake:
This noun sense is less common than the verb and can sound regional. Learners may overuse it; in many situations, simply saying "a joke" or "a tease" is more natural.
Meaning
Playful teasing joke
Collocations
just a rib
|take a rib
|a friendly rib
|a bit of a rib
Synonyms
jibe (Can suggest a sharper or slightly more critical joke; "rib" sounds more playful and gentle.)
Antonyms
compliment (Instead of making someone the target of a joke, you say something positive about them.)
Themes
humor
|communication
|relationships
Definition
A friendly joke about someone, not meant to hurt them.
A playful joke or act of teasing someone in a light, friendly way.
NOUN
C2
TECHNICAL
9
Usage pattern:
the rib of [a leaf]
The central rib of the leaf is clearly visible.
A levél főere jól látható.
Tiny hairs grow along the ribs on the underside of the leaf.
Apró szőrök nőnek a levél fonákján futó erek mentén.
The insect fed along the main rib of the leaf.
Learner examples
The rib in the leaf is very strong.
A levél főere nagyon erős.
You can see small lines coming from the main rib.
Látni lehet a főérből kiinduló kis ereket.
The rib helps the leaf keep its shape.
Common mistake:
Most learners use the word "vein" for leaves and do not know this more technical sense of "rib". In everyday speech, "vein" is usually safer.
Meaning
Main vein on a leaf
Collocations
central rib
|leaf rib
|mid rib
|ribs of the leaf
Synonyms
vein (Common in everyday language for leaves; "rib" is more specific and technical.)
Themes
science
|plants
|nature
Definition
A main line that runs through a leaf and helps support it.
A main raised vein or support that runs along a leaf or similar thin surface.
Grammar
Dictionary form
rib
IPA
GB/ɹˈɪb/
US/ɹˈɪb/
Syllables & stress
rib (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (rib)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: rib
- Plural: rib, ribs
Verb
- Base: rib
- 3rd Person Singular: ribs
- Present Participle: ribbing
- Past: ribbed
Word family
Forms
ribs
noun
ribbing
verb
ribbed
verb
Related words
ribcage
noun
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: ribbing Verb
- Irregular past: ribbed Verb
Expressions
elbow someone in the ribs
1/ˈɛlboʊ sˈʌmwˌʌn ˈɪn ðə ɹˈɪbz/
fixed phrase
Push side with elbow
To hit or push someone’s side with your elbow, often as a signal or a joke.
Examples
- He elbowed me in the ribs when our friend walked in.
- She elbowed him in the ribs to remind him to be polite.
give someone a ribbing
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ə ɹˈɪbɪŋ/
fixed phrase
informal
Tease someone in fun
To make friendly jokes about someone for a short time.
Examples
- They gave him a good ribbing about his new car.
- She enjoys giving her little brother a ribbing when he gets nervous.
poke someone in the ribs
1/pˈoʊk sˈʌmwˌʌn ˈɪn ðə ɹˈɪbz/
fixed phrase
Lightly jab someone’s side
To push someone’s side with your finger or elbow, usually to get their attention or share a joke.
Examples
- She poked him in the ribs and whispered a comment about the speaker.
- He poked me in the ribs to stop me from laughing too loudly.
prime rib
1/pɹˈaɪm ɹˈɪb/
fixed phrase
Large roasted beef rib cut
A large piece of beef from the rib area, usually roasted and served in thick slices.
Examples
- He ordered prime rib with a baked potato for dinner.
- The restaurant’s Sunday special is roast prime rib.
rack of ribs
1/ɹˈæk əv ɹˈɪbz/
fixed phrase
Several ribs as one piece
A long piece of meat that has many ribs still joined together.
Examples
- They shared a whole rack of ribs at the barbecue.
- He put a rack of ribs in the oven to slow-roast.
rib tickler
1/ɹˈɪb tˈɪklɚ/
idiom
informal
Something very funny
Something, such as a joke or story, that makes you laugh a lot.
Examples
- That joke was a real rib tickler.
- The movie isn’t deep, but it’s a good rib tickler.
rib-eye steak
1/ɹˈɪb ˈaɪ stˈeɪk/
fixed phrase
Steak from rib section
A thick steak cut from the rib part of a cow, usually with some fat in the middle.
Examples
- I grilled two rib-eye steaks for dinner.
- Rib-eye steak is known for its rich flavor and tenderness.
rib-tickling
1/ɹˈɪb tˈɪklɪŋ/
idiom
informal
Very funny, laugh-inducing
Very funny and likely to make people laugh a lot.
Examples
- The show was full of rib-tickling sketches.
- He told a rib-tickling story about his childhood.
short ribs
1/ʃˈɔɹt ɹˈɪbz/
fixed phrase
Beef short-rib cut
A cut of beef that comes from the short part of the ribs, often cooked slowly.
Examples
- The restaurant serves braised short ribs with mashed potatoes.
- I bought some short ribs to make a stew this weekend.
spare ribs
1/spˈɛɹ ɹˈɪbz/
fixed phrase
Pork ribs dish
Pork ribs cooked as a dish, often with a sweet or spicy sauce.
Examples
- We ordered a plate of spare ribs to share.
- She slow-cooked the spare ribs until the meat fell off the bone.
stick to your ribs
1/stˈɪk tə jˈʊɹ ɹˈɪbz/
idiom
informal
Food that keeps you full
If food "sticks to your ribs", it makes you feel full for a long time because it is heavy or rich.
Examples
- This stew really sticks to your ribs on a cold night.
- He prefers meals that stick to your ribs, like pasta and potatoes.
rib cage
1/ɹˈɪb kˈeɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Bony structure of the chest
All the ribs together, forming the hard cage around your heart and lungs.
Examples
- The impact bruised his rib cage but caused no internal damage.
- She injured her rib cage in the accident.
- Wearing a seat belt helps protect your rib cage in an accident.
- The doctor pressed gently on his rib cage to check for pain.
- Your rib cage expands every time you take a deep breath.