rib rib /ˈrɪb/

noun

1. () Support resembling the rib of an animal  ( rib )
   support resembling the rib of an animal
     The butcher cut a juicy rib steak from the rack.
   The butcher cut a juicy rib steak from the rack.
   
2. () Any of the 12 pairs of curved arches of bone extending from the spine to or toward the sternum in humans (and similar bones in most vertebrates)  ( costa , rib )
   any of the 12 pairs of curved arches of bone extending from the spine to or toward the sternum in humans (and similar bones in most vertebrates)
    The human body has 12 pairs of ribs
   The human body has 12 pairs of ribs
   
   
3. A projecting molding on the underside of a vault or ceiling; may be ornamental or structural  ( rib )
   a projecting molding on the underside of a vault or ceiling; may be ornamental or structural
   
4. A riblike supporting or strengthening part of an animal or plant  ( rib )
   a riblike supporting or strengthening part of an animal or plant
    The skeleton displayed in the museum had a broken rib.
   The skeleton displayed in the museum had a broken rib.
   
   
5. [Informal] A teasing remark  ( rib [Informal] )
   a teasing remark
   
6. Cut of meat including one or more ribs  ( rib )
   cut of meat including one or more ribs
    Beef short ribs are a delicious cut that can be slow cooked for hours
   Beef short ribs are a delicious cut that can be slow cooked for hours
   

verb

1. [Informal] Subject to laughter or ridicule  ( blackguard , guy , jest at , laugh at , make fun , poke fun , rib [Informal] , ridicule , roast [Informal] )
   subject to laughter or ridicule
    The satirists ridiculed the plans for a new opera house
   The satirists ridiculed the plans for a new opera house
    The students poked fun at the inexperienced teacher
   The students poked fun at the inexperienced teacher
    His former students roasted the professor at his 60th birthday
   His former students roasted the professor at his 60th birthday
   
2. (handicraft) form vertical ribs by knitting  ( rib )
   (handicraft) form vertical ribs by knitting
    A ribbed sweater
   A ribbed sweater