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Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

blue ribbon en · ADJ

Pronunciation

Etymology

Perhaps a calque of Middle French cordon bleu (“blue ribbon”), worn by knights of the Order of the Holy Spirit, or after Blue Riband, a sailing award.

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, not-comparable) Highly superior in quality, style, substance, prestige, etc.
    • A blue ribbon jury of accomplished artists will choose the best three entries.
    • The governor selected a cadre of blue ribbon social scientists to serve on her poverty task force.
  2. (Australia, informal, not-comparable) Pertaining to the Liberal Party, its supporters and regions.

Forms

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blue-ribbon alternative lexicographic

Relateds

gold medal

blue ribbon en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Etymology

Perhaps a calque of Middle French cordon bleu (“blue ribbon”), worn by knights of the Order of the Holy Spirit, or after Blue Riband, a sailing award.

Meanings

  1. The highest honor or prize awarded in some competitions and contests.
    • These [scholarships] were the blue ribbon of the [college]. 1859, Frederic William Farrar, Julian Home:
    • Mom's strawberry jam won the blue ribbon at the Holland County Fair three years running.
    • Mr. Allen’s work, “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial,” took home the blue ribbon in the fair’s contest for emerging digital artists — making it one of the first A.I.-generated pieces to win such a prize, and setting off a fierce backlash from artists who accused him of, essentially, cheating. 2022 September 2, Kevin Roose, “An A.I.-Generated Picture Won an Art Prize. Artists Aren’t Happy.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
  2. The emblem of the Order of the Garter.
  3. The badge adopted by a teetotal society.
  4. (Internet) A badge worn or displayed to advocate freedom from online censorship.

Forms

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blue ribbons Number=Plur lexicographic

Translations (2)

unm aon'sìlk (highest honor or prize in certain competitions) · pl nagroda pierwszej klasy (highest honor or prize in certain competitions)