blue-ribbon
[ bloo-rib-uh n ]
/ ˈbluˈrɪb ən /
adjective
of superior quality or prominence; first-rate; specially selected: a blue-ribbon committee of fund-raisers.
Origin of blue-ribbon
First recorded in 1925–30; adj. use of
blue ribbon
Words nearby blue-ribbon
blue-jeaned,
blue-leg,
blue-on-blue,
blue-pencil,
blue-red,
blue-ribbon,
blue-ribbon jury,
blue-ringed octopus,
blue-rinse,
blue-singlet,
blue-sky
Definition for blue-ribbon (2 of 2)
blue ribbon
noun
the highest award or distinction, as the first prize in a contest: His entry at the state fair won a blue ribbon.
a blue ribbon worn as a badge of honor, especially by members of the Order of the Garter of the British knighthood.
(initial capital letters) Also British, Blue Ribband.
(formerly) a prize awarded to an ocean liner making the fastest recorded trip across the Atlantic Ocean between Ambrose Lightship and Bishop Rock.
a badge used by some temperance organizations to indicate a pledge of abstinence from alcohol.
Origin of blue ribbon
First recorded in 1645–55
Example sentences from the Web for blue-ribbon
British Dictionary definitions for blue-ribbon
blue ribbon
noun
(in Britain) a badge of blue silk worn by members of the Order of the Garter
a badge awarded as the first prize in a competition
US
a badge worn by a member of a temperance society