Phrase guide

blue ribbon

adj · noun · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Highly superior in quality, style, substance, prestige, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, not-comparable

Examples

  • The governor selected a cadre of blue ribbon social scientists to serve on her poverty task force.
  • A blue ribbon jury of accomplished artists will choose the best three entries.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Pertaining to the Liberal Party, its supporters and regions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, informal, not-comparable

Topics: government, politics

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The highest honor or prize awarded in some competitions and contests.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Mom's strawberry jam won the blue ribbon at the Holland County Fair three years running.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

The emblem of the Order of the Garter.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

The badge adopted by a teetotal society.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

noun

Meaning 6

A badge worn or displayed to advocate freedom from online censorship.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Internet

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

7

noun

Meaning 7

an honor or award gained for excellence

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: cordon bleu

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: badge

History

Etymology

Perhaps a calque of Middle French cordon bleu (“blue ribbon”), worn by knights of the Order of the Holy Spirit, or after Blue Riband, a sailing award.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: nagroda pierwszej klasy — highest honor or prize in certain competitions
  • Unami: aon'sìlk — highest honor or prize in certain competitions