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blue-ribbon

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blue ribbon

–noun
1. the highest award or distinction, as the first prize in a contest: His entry at the state fair won a blue ribbon.
2. a blue ribbon worn as a badge of honor, esp. by members of the Order of the Garter of the British knighthood.
3. (initial capital letters) Also, British, Blue Ribband. (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.

Origin:
1645–55

blue-rib⋅bon

[bloo-rib-uhn]
–adjective
of superior quality or prominence; first-rate; specially selected: a blue-ribbon committee of fund-raisers.

Origin:
1925–30; adj. use of blue ribbon
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To blue-ribbon
blue ribbon  
n.  
  1. An emblem, badge, or rosette made of blue ribbon that is awarded as the first prize in a competition.

  2. An award or honor given for excellence.

blue'-rib'bon (blōō'rĭb'ən) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Main Entry: blue–rib·bon
Function: adjective
: consisting of individuals selected for quality, reputation, or authority blue–ribbon committee>
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