blue ribbon
n.
- An emblem, badge, or rosette made of blue ribbon that is awarded as the first prize in a competition.
- An award or honor given for excellence.
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adjective
The adjective has one meaning:
Meaning #1:
selected or chosen for special qualifications
Synonym: select
In symbolism, blue ribbon is a term used to describe something of high quality. The usage came from The Blue Riband, a prize awarded for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by passenger liners.
The spelling blue riband is still encountered in most English-speaking countries, but in the United States, the term was altered to blue ribbon, and ribbons of this color came to be awarded for first place in certain athletic or other competitive endeavours (such as county and state fairs). It also may be applied to distinguished members of a group or commission who have convened to address a situation or problem; the usual usage is "blue ribbon commission" or "blue ribbon panel."
The French for the term is 'Cordon Bleu' which is also used in English-speaking countries.
In some fair competitions in the U.S., particularly 4-H and FFA livestock and horticultural events, blue ribbons may be awarded to any project or exhibit which meets or exceeds all of a competition's judging criteria. In Canada blue ribbons are awarded to second place, with red ribbons awarded to first.
The project may not necessarily be the first place finisher, however. In such cases, a purple ribbon may given to the champion and second-place (or reserve) champion.
Blue ribbons have been used as awareness ribbons for numerous different causes. Notable examples:
In the United States of America, a blue ribbon is a symbol for remembrance of fallen police officers. The ribbons are displayed by the survivors of fallen police officers and are very symbolic of the COPS organization, Concerns Of Police Survivors.
| Awareness ribbon • List of ribbons | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue ribbon |
Red ribbon |
White ribbon |
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| Yellow ribbon |
Green ribbon |
Orange ribbon |
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| Purple ribbon |
Brown ribbon |
Pink ribbon |
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![]() | Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more | |
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![]() | WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. Read more | |
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