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 of blue-ribbon
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
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Show attendees were eager to see the year’s blue-ribbon horticulture awards for roses, cut-stem flowers, herbaceous perennials and dozens of other plant categories that were displayed in Templars Hall.
—Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 May 2026
Outside of the home Jessica and Kevin bought together just last year, trees are adorned with blue ribbons.
—David Wade, CBS News, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for blue-ribbon
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Adjective
Consumer price inflation is projected to hit 6% for the first quarter, according to the Survey of Professional Forecasters, a blue-ribbon group that is polled each quarter by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Show attendees were eager to see the year’s blue-ribbon horticulture awards for roses, cut-stem flowers, herbaceous perennials and dozens of other plant categories that were displayed in Templars Hall.
—Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
This stunning chocolate-and-marshmallow Bundt cake, based on whoopie pie cookies, won a blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 May 2026
Outside of the home Jessica and Kevin bought together just last year, trees are adorned with blue ribbons.
—David Wade, CBS News, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for blue-ribbon
Cite this Entry
“Blue-ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue-ribbon. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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