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

2. 1. the most distinguished achievement in any field

   2. ( as modifier )

      the blue-riband event of the meeting

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Example Sentences

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

He shocked the sport by equalling Merckx's seemingly unassailable record, and came within a couple of feet of breaking it on the blue riband final sprint stage on Paris' Champs Elysees.

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2023

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

Beyond the train we see the lines like curves of blue riband on the yellow and white quartz ballast of the track.

From From Edinburgh to India & Burmah by Burn Murdoch, W. G. (William Gordon)