: 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
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
Adjective
The state fair features blue-ribbon animal displays, culinary delights and competitions, live music, a carnival, fireworks and other family fun.
—Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2024
Once upon a time, the Television Academy insisted on doing blue-ribbon panels for each category, where anyone who wanted to vote would commit to going to a screening room to watch all the nominees in their category.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2024
But a prize-winning pumpkin comes down to genetics, like any winning show dog or blue-ribbon cattle at the state fair.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023
There’s already a model for bringing together a blue-ribbon commission to help solve an existential crisis.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Oct. 2023
In 1968, Mayor Joseph Alioto named her to a blue-ribbon committee on crime.
—Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023
And its majesty spans far beyond the national park, with nine blue-ribbon trout streams, rodeos, ski areas, and endless opportunities to recreate under the big sky.
—Hugh Garvey, Sunset Magazine, 5 Sep. 2023
The Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Pillowcase Set earns our blue-ribbon pick for the best pillowcases because of the moderate price point, high-quality materials, and durability.
—Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2023
These items are judged, and blue-ribbon winners may be entered in the auction for purchase.
—Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 3 Aug. 2023
Noun
Staff members hold roses from Powell, tied with pink and blue ribbons in honor of their service.
—Bracey Harris, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023
Attendees at the premiere were given blue ribbon pins to wear in honor of Reddick, and the screening began with a standing ovation in the actor’s memory.
—Conor Murray, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Her trademark red hair is tied back with a blue ribbon.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2023
Reddick, who died unexpectedly Friday at age 60, was honored by his co-stars and other attendees who commemorated him with blue ribbons.
—Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2023
Cate Blanchett, Guillermo del Toro, Bill Nighy and more stars stepped out on the Oscars red (er, champagne) carpet with blue ribbons.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2023
Law enforcement wore black bands over their badges and civilians wore blue ribbons on their shirts and lapels.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Deep blue ribbons on wreaths, greenery, and pots of evergreen boughs create a festive feel.
SHOP BLUE SATIN RIBBON
17
Double Wreaths
Two wreaths stacked vertically provide double the curb appeal, while a cozy throw and birch logs add cozy charm to this Christmas front door tableau.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 15 Aug. 2023
Youths involved in 4-H, FFA and the Grange are competing for blue ribbons, with the event culminating in a livestock auction at 1 p.m. Saturday.
—Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2023
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.
Word History
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 29 Mar. 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
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