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, especially 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-ribbon

[bloo-rib-uh n] /ˈbluˈrɪb ən/
adjective
1.
of superior quality or prominence; first-rate; specially selected:
a blue-ribbon committee of fund-raisers.
Origin
1925-30; adj. use of blue ribbon
Examples from the web for blue ribbon
  • And the prizes are a tad snazzier than a blue ribbon.
  • If there is an award for great content this article should win the blue ribbon.
British Dictionary definitions for blue ribbon

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
3.
(US) a badge worn by a member of a temperance society