red ribbon

noun

: a red ribbon usually with appropriate words or markings awarded the second-place winner in a competition

Examples of red ribbon in a Sentence

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.
On Monday, church leaders followed Catholic tradition in closing the pope's apartment at the Apostolic Palace by putting a red ribbon on the door handles and sealing the knot with wax. Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Apr. 2025 Bright red ribbons decorate the trees and signposts of northwest suburban Niles in anticipation of a funeral procession and service today to honor Chicago Fire Department Capt. David Meyer, who was killed last week while battling a suspicious garage fire in the Austin neighborhood. Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025 The gondoliers at Gondola Romantica all wear black pants or shorts, a striped shirt and a straw hat with a red ribbon. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025 Hundreds of club members wore red ribbons and pledged to lead drug-free lives. Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for red ribbon

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red ribbon was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Red ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20ribbon. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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