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blue riband

British  

noun

  1. Also called (esp US): blue ribbon(sometimes capitals) the record for the fastest sea journey between two places, esp (in the 1920s and 30s) for a passenger liner between New York and Southampton

    1. the most distinguished achievement in any field

    2. ( as modifier )

      the blue-riband event of the meeting

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

England's preparations and performances at football's blue riband competitions have always seemed to be hampered by injury problems to key personnel.

From BBC Oct. 8, 2025

Having demolished Jackson Page 10-1 in the first round, O'Sullivan continued his serene progress in snooker’s blue riband event against Day.

From BBC Apr. 29, 2024

We’ll keep you across the new sports as well as the blue riband events.

From The Guardian Jul. 23, 2021

Having had just two fights in boxing’s blue riband division since stepping up, there remains lingering questions about the Ukrainian’s punch resistance and his ability to trouble the top heavyweights with his power.

From Seattle Times Jul. 20, 2021

The Duc d'Eglemont, that was the racing French duke who had carried off the blue riband of the British Turf—the other name was harder to remember—then it came to her.

From The Chink in the Armour by Lowndes, Marie Belloc

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