blue-rib·bon
ˈblü-ˈri-bən 
: of outstanding quality
especially
: consisting of individuals selected for quality, reputation, or authority
a blue-ribbon panel
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)
Synonyms
Adjective
- A-OK
- A1
- awesome
- bang-up
- banner
- beautiful
- blue-chip
- boffo
- bonny [chiefly British]
- bonnie
- boss [slang]
- brag
- brave
- bully
- bumper
- capital
- choice
- classic
- cool [slang]
- corking
- crackerjack
- cracking
- dandy
- divine
- dope [slang]
- down [slang]
- dynamite
- excellent
- fab
- fabulous
- famous
- fantabulous [slang]
- fantastic
- fine
- first-class
- first-rate
- first-string
- five-star
- four-star
- frontline
- gangbusters
- gangbuster
- gilt-edged
- gilt-edge
- gone [slang]
- grand
- great
- groovy
- heavenly
- high-class
- hot
- hype [slang]
- immense
- jim-dandy
- keen
- lovely
- marvelous
- marvellous
- mean
- neat
- nifty
- noble
- number one
- No. 1
- numero uno
- out-of-sight [slang]
- par excellence
- peachy
- peachy keen
- phat [slang]
- prime
- primo [slang]
- prize
- prizewinning
- quality
- radical [slang]
- righteous [slang]
- sensational
- slick
- splendid
- stellar
- sterling
- superb
- superior
- superlative
- supernal
- swell
- terrific
- tip-top
- top
- top-notch
- top-of-the-line
- top-shelf
- topflight
- topping [chiefly British]
- unsurpassed
- wizard [chiefly British]
- wonderful
Noun
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
Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024
In 2021, Morgan State University established a blue-ribbon panel on a STEM research expansion to one day make the university a national leader in academia, according to May.
—Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2024
Emily Strohm, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024
Most people will imagine a good river as a blue ribbon flowing through a beautiful city, the Seine in Paris or the Danube in Budapest.
—Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for blue-ribbon 
Adjective
Faculty leaders and other reformers are also urging the district to bring in independent auditors or a blue-ribbon external committee to examine the district’s handling of its procurement practices and $15-billion construction bond program.
—Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024
In 2021, Morgan State University established a blue-ribbon panel on a STEM research expansion to one day make the university a national leader in academia, according to May.
—Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2024
Noun
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
Most people will imagine a good river as a blue ribbon flowing through a beautiful city, the Seine in Paris or the Danube in Budapest.
—Jeff Opperman, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for blue-ribbon
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blue-ribbon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near blue-ribbon
Cite this Entry
“Blue-ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue-ribbon. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
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