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
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
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 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
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
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 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share