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
As a teacher of middle-grade students, the old-fashioned blue-ribbon field day was my least favorite day of the year. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 11 June 2025 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
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes coastal communities impacted by the Palisades fire, convened a blue ribbon commission to provide recommendations on how to rebuild with challenges posed by climate change in mind. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 The Publix Key lime pie (in both its mini and regular sizes) has won plenty of blue ribbons from the National Pie Championships over the past 24 years the store has entered the competition. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 13 June 2025 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 4 Jul. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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