ribbon

Ribbon is a long, narrow strip of fabric used for decoration, tying, or trim. It is typically woven or knitted and comes in materials such as satin, grosgrain, velvet, organza, or metallic finishes. Widths vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and edges may be finished by hemming, heat-sealing, or selvage.

Common uses include gift wrapping, clothing and accessory trim, hair ribbons, and decorative bows. Ribbon is also used to produce awards and can be printed with logos. Ribbons are often used in crafts and sewing projects.

The term also refers to awareness ribbons, looped symbols worn to show support for a cause, such as pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness. The color and arrangement carry associated meanings across cultures and campaigns.

In computing, the ribbon refers to a user interface element that groups commands on a set of tabs, introduced by Microsoft in Office 2007. It is designed to replace traditional menus and toolbars with a task-oriented layout.

In electronics, a ribbon cable (flat cable) consists of many parallel conductors embedded in a flat insulating sheet; used for internal connections in devices where space is limited. Ribbon can also describe decorative streamers in events or military ribbons in uniforms, as well as the broader use of ribbons in various symbolic applications.