red-carpet

1 of 2

adjective

red-car·​pet ˈred-ˈkär-pət 

: marked by ceremonial courtesy

red-carpet treatment

red carpet

2 of 2

noun

: a greeting or reception marked by ceremonial courtesy

—usually used in the phrase roll out the red carpet

Examples of red-carpet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In late August, the hotel turns into a red-carpet event for celebrities, stars of the silver screen, and various hangers-on at the Venice Film Festival to which the Excelsior is inexorably linked, now enjoying its 10th decade. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Miley Cyrus, open-mouthed, nudged Kerry Washington as the woman in spangles swept by—this was red-carpet clothing, flashbulb clothing, clothing to be seen in once rather than excavated annually from a closet of perennials. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Noun

The look was one of many red carpet moments between the designer and actress who’s forged a bond over big dreams, fantasy and an enduring childlike wonder that continues to inform their work. — Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

On the red carpet at the premiere event in Los Angeles on September 1, the couple discussed some of the show’s heavier moments while talking with Entertainment Tonight—including Alisa’s battle with breast cancer. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from the traditional laying down of a red carpet for important guests to walk on

First Known Use

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for red-carpet

• carpet

Kids Definition

red-carpet

adjective

red-car·​pet

-ˈkär-pət

: marked by ceremonial courtesy

red-carpet treatment