blue ribbon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal and journalistic; also used in informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “blue ribbon” mean?
The highest award or honour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest award or honour; first prize; something of the highest quality or status, often marked by a literal or metaphorical blue ribbon.
Denoting a person or thing of the highest distinction, often used to describe prestigious panels, award-winning products, or top-tier events. Also used as an adjective to describe something as the best or most important of its kind (e.g., blue ribbon committee).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in meaning and frequency. In American English, the adjective form 'blue-ribbon' is slightly more common (e.g., 'blue-ribbon panel') for formal committees. The phrase 'Blue Riband' (with a 'd') is a specific British historical term for the award for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger liner.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly connote top-tier quality and official recognition. In the UK, the historical 'Blue Riband' adds a layer of nautical and engineering prestige.
Frequency
High and comparable in both varieties. Common in news media, business, and descriptions of awards/competitions.
Grammar
How to Use “blue ribbon” in a Sentence
[V] + blue ribbon (win/earn/award a blue ribbon)[Adj] + blue ribbon (a blue-ribbon + N)[N] + of blue ribbon statusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blue ribbon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The government formed a blue-ribbon commission to review the policy.
American English
- She served on a blue-ribbon panel of experts for the investigation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes high-priority clients, premium services, or special committees formed to address critical issues (e.g., 'The board appointed a blue-ribbon panel to investigate the scandal.').
Academic
Used for prestigious scholarships, top-tier research, or distinguished committees (e.g., 'She is a blue-ribbon scholar with several publications.').
Everyday
Most common in discussing competitions, fairs, baking contests, or describing something as the best (e.g., 'Her apple pie always wins the blue ribbon at the village fete.').
Technical
In computing, sometimes used in branding for premium support tiers or high-performance components.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue ribbon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blue ribbon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue ribbon”
- Using 'blue ribbon' as a verb (e.g., 'He blue ribboned the contest' is non-standard).
- Spelling inconsistency: 'blue-ribbon' (adj) vs. 'blue ribbon' (n).
- Overusing the term for any minor award.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While historically and often literally a blue-coloured ribbon, the phrase is now primarily a metaphorical idiom for the highest honour or quality.
No, it is not standard. You win, earn, or are awarded a blue ribbon. The adjectival form 'blue-ribbon' is common.
While 'blue ribbon' denotes first prize/highest quality, a 'red ribbon' often signifies second place. 'Red ribbon' is also widely known as a symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness.
It is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a blue-ribbon event). As a noun phrase, it is usually two separate words (e.g., to win the blue ribbon).
The highest award or honour.
Blue ribbon is usually formal and journalistic; also used in informal contexts. in register.
Blue ribbon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈrɪb.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblu ˈrɪb.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Blue ribbon treatment (special or preferential treatment)”
- “A blue-ribbon baby (historical term for a healthy newborn in some hospital systems)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the BLUE ribbon on a champion's trophy at a county fair. BLUE is often for first place (like a 'blue chip' stock), and RIBBON is the prize. Think: 'True blue' means loyal and best.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCELLENCE/QUALITY IS A HIGH POSITION (first place); PRESTIGE IS A DISTINCTIVE COLOUR/MARKER.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is 'blue-ribbon' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?