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
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Outrage over Tyree’s death spurred the formation of a blue-ribbon commission to conduct a top-down review of jail operations, leading to what Specter now characterizes as familiar-sounding commitments to reform.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2025
Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Last year, a blue ribbon committee selected Holmgren as its coaching finalist, but Holmgren did not get enough support from the full body for enshrinement.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for blue-ribbon
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Adjective
Each member of the selection committee can only vote for three of the five blue-ribbon committee finalists.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Outrage over Tyree’s death spurred the formation of a blue-ribbon commission to conduct a top-down review of jail operations, leading to what Specter now characterizes as familiar-sounding commitments to reform.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2025
Noun
The medallion hangs from a navy-blue ribbon, replacing the original large rainbow ribbon – adorned with three gold plates – that rested on the honoree’s shoulders and chest and had been used since the first Honors program in 1978.
—Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025
Last year, a blue ribbon committee selected Holmgren as its coaching finalist, but Holmgren did not get enough support from the full body for enshrinement.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025
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 15 Dec. 2025.
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