ridden

adjective

rid·​den ˈri-dᵊn How to pronounce ridden (audio)
Synonyms of riddennext
1
: harassed, oppressed, or obsessed by
—usually used in combination
guilt-ridden
debt-ridden
2
: excessively full of or supplied with
—usually used in combination
slum-ridden

Examples of ridden in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Could my stutter-step breathing and thick-ridden voice be imitated by a machine? — Adam Verner september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 The debris-ridden area spans at least half a square mile, officials said, adding debris was also found more than two miles away from the plant. — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 Organizers say every mile ridden helps support patients, proving this ride is about much more than the finish line. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 After a car accident, Craig’s leg is amputated, leaving him bed-ridden and lonely at home with only his family and a neighbor boy for company. — Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridden

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ridden was in 1587

Phrases Containing ridden

Rhymes for ridden

See All Rhymes for ridden

Browse Nearby Words

riddel
ridden
ridder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ridden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ridden. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ridden

adjective
rid·​den ˈrid-ᵊn How to pronounce ridden (audio)
: extremely concerned with or burdened by
guilt-ridden
slum-ridden

More from Merriam-Webster on ridden

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ridden

Nglish: Translation of ridden for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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