ribete
/riˈbete/
The Spanish word for "edging" is ribete.
The word ribete is used to describe a decorative border or trim added to the edge of a piece of fabric. It can refer to the physical strip of material used for the trim or the decorative effect of the border itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ribete is ribetes, which translates to "edgings" or "borders".
How do you pronounce it?
/riˈbete/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, a contrasting decorative edge or piping is called vivo, which literally translates to 'alive'.
- The word ribete shares the same linguistic ancestor as the English word 'rivet', which is a metal fastener used in construction.
- In Spanish, the phrase poner un ribete can be used metaphorically to describe adding a final, refining touch to a project or an argument to make it more polished.
Examples in context
- El vestido tiene un ribete de seda.The dress has a silk edging.
- ¿Prefieres un ribete dorado para la manta?Do you prefer a gold edging for the blanket?
- Puse un ribete blanco en el mantel.I put a white edging on the tablecloth.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a sewing project.
- JavierMaría, ¿qué opinas de este ribete rojo?María, what do you think of this red edging?
- MaríaMe gusta, pero es muy ancho para la tela.I like it, but it is too wide for the fabric.
- JavierTienes razón, buscaré un ribete más fino.You are right, I will look for a thinner edging.
- MaríaEso quedaría mucho mejor, Javier.That would look much better, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ribete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ribete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
