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
Her pinstriped shift, layered over a white button-down and a matching tie, was adorned with Browne’s signature red, white and blue ribbon. Hannah Malach, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025 The new design was paired with a necklace borrowed from her mother and a veil designed with white and (something) blue ribbons that paid homage to traditional Polish folk headwear. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 19 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Blue-ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue-ribbon. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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
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