Blue ribbon Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbɫu/ /ˈɹɪbən

BLOO RIB-uhn

UK

blˈuː/ /ɹˈɪbən

bLOO RIB-uhn

Definition

A "blue ribbon" is a symbol of the highest prize or honor, often given as an award in contests, competitions, or for top quality.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used for awards in contests (especially in the US). Also used figuratively for anything of highest quality ('a blue ribbon panel'). Formal or neutral register. Don't confuse literal blue ribbons (colored ribbon) with this symbolic meaning.

• Spanish: premio principal - cinta azul (premio)
• Portuguese (BR): prêmio principal - fita azul (prêmio)
• Portuguese (PT): prémio principal - fita azul (prémio)
• Chinese (Simplified): 一等奖 - 蓝带（奖）
• Chinese (Traditional): 頭獎 - 藍帶（獎）
• Hindi: प्रथम पुरस्कार - नीला फीता (पुरस्कार)
• Arabic: الجائزة الأولى - الشريط الأزرق (جائزة)
• Bengali: নীল রিবন (পুরস্কার) - শ্রেষ্ঠ পুরস্কার
• Russian: синяя лента (приз) - высшая награда
• Japanese: ブルーリボン（最高賞）
• Vietnamese: giải băng xanh - giải thưởng cao nhất
• Korean: 블루리본(최고상)
• Turkish: mavi kurdele (ödül) - birincilik ödülü
• Urdu: بلو ربن (اعزاز) - اعلیٰ انعام
• Indonesian: pita biru (penghargaan tertinggi) - hadiah utama

Example Sentences

He won the blue ribbon at the science fair.

basic

The painting was given a blue ribbon for first place.

basic

Only the best cookies get a blue ribbon.

basic

That pie tasted like a blue ribbon winner from the fair.

natural

He's part of a blue ribbon committee studying education reform.

natural

Those apples looked good enough for a blue ribbon!

natural