ribbon
UK[ˈrɪbən]US[ˈrɪbən]
n
A long, narrow strip of fabric, used for tying things or for decoration.
n
A long, narrow strip of something, such as color, land, or material.
Etymology
The word 'ribbon' entered Middle English in the 14th century from the Old French 'riban' or 'ruban'. The ultimate origin of the French term is obscure, though it is often speculatively linked to a Germanic compound, perhaps from a word like the Middle Dutch 'ringhband' (a collar band). This etymological uncertainty highlights how some common objects acquire names whose specific roots are lost to time. The core concept of a 'strip' or 'band' has remained remarkably stable from its medieval use for decorative bands or ties to its modern applications, which extend metaphorically to ribbons of road, light, or data.
Analysis
The word 'ribbon' is a simplex word. It entered English as a single lexical unit from Old French. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be Germanic.
Examples
She tied her hair back with a silk ribbon.
The soldier was awarded a ribbon for his bravery.
A narrow ribbon of asphalt wound through the mountains.