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
One of the more obscure objectives Elon Musk has added to the list of priorities for his blue-ribbon commission on government efficiency is to do away with Daylight Saving Time. Peter Green, Quartz, 8 Dec. 2024 Find your blue-ribbon gifts and set the bar high for next year with our top picks below. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
The city will have blue ribbons tied to trees in front of City Hall to show solidarity with teachers and will be sharing inspiring teacher stories on social media channels during the week leading up to the event. Kara King, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Sep. 2024 On the third floor of a Mount Sinai extension building in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Bob and Renee Parsons grasp a pair of large scissors and cut a blue ribbon stretching across the room. Sarah Young, Forbes, 24 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 23 Dec. 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!