blue ribbon

US: (blo̅o̅′rib′ən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈblue ˈrib•bon, n. [countable]

1. the highest award or distinction, as a blue ribbon given as the first prize in a contest.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

blue′ rib′bon, 

1. the highest award or distinction, as the first prize in a contest:
   His entry at the state fair won a blue ribbon.
2. Government a blue ribbon worn as a badge of honor, esp. by members of the Order of the Garter of the British knighthood.
3. British Terms (caps.) Also, Blue′ Rib′band. (formerly) a prize awarded to an ocean liner making the fastest recorded trip across the Atlantic Ocean between Ambrose Lightship and Bishop Rock.
4. a badge used by some temperance organizations to indicate a pledge of abstinence from alcohol.
• 1645–55

blue-rib•bon  (blo̅o̅′rib′ən), adj. 

1. of superior quality or prominence;
   first-rate;
   specially selected:
   a blue-ribbon committee of fund-raisers.

• adjective, adjectival use of blue ribbon 1925–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

blue ribbon noun

1. (in Britain) a badge of blue silk worn by members of the Order of the Garter
2. a badge awarded as the first prize in a competition