blue-ribbon

1 of 2

adjective

blue-rib·​bon ˈblü-ˈri-bən How to pronounce blue-ribbon (audio)
: of outstanding quality
especially : consisting of individuals selected for quality, reputation, or authority
a blue-ribbon panel

blue ribbon

2 of 2

noun

1
: an honor or award gained for preeminence
2
: a blue ribbon awarded as an honor (as to the first-place winner in a competition)

Examples of blue-ribbon in a Sentence

Adjective your work on this project has been of blue-ribbon quality Noun Our pumpkin won the blue ribbon at the county fair this year. the Pritzker Prize is widely regarded as the ultimate blue ribbon for architectural achievement
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.
Adjective
What’s needed, says a blue-ribbon panel, is a better way to funnel public and private dollars to meet those challenges, following a blueprint laid down by a new national advisory body. Byjocelyn Kaiser, science.org, 1 Oct. 2024 The top five will now compete to take home the title of 2024 American Humane Hero Dog, which will be selected by a blue-ribbon judging panel. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024
Noun
Among the shop’s many accolades, Rahman has also been awarded numerous blue ribbons from the National Pie Championships, including those for her Orchard Fresh Apple Pie and Savory Herb Chicken Pot Pie. Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024 In photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Del rey can be seen in a white gown with a ruffle neckline and her hair styled with a light blue ribbon. Emily Strohm, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for blue-ribbon 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1860, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blue-ribbon was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near blue-ribbon

blue riband

blue-ribbon

blue ribbon

Cite this Entry

“Blue-ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue-ribbon. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

blue ribbon

noun
: a blue ribbon awarded the first-place winner in a competition

Legal Definition

blue-ribbon

adjective
blue-rib·​bon
: consisting of individuals selected for quality, reputation, or authority
a blue-ribbon committee
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!