cordon bleu

American  

[kawr-dawn blœ] / kɔr dɔ̃ ˈblœ /

noun

plural

cordons bleus

1. the sky-blue ribbon worn as a badge by knights of the highest order of French knighthood under the Bourbons.

2. some similar high distinction.

3. one entitled to wear the cordon bleu.

4. any person of great distinction in a specific field, especially a distinguished chef.

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adjective

1. (of a dish made with thin slices of veal, chicken, etc.) interlaid or stuffed with ham and cheese and then sautéed.

   chicken cordon bleu.

cordon bleu British  

/ kɔrdɔ̃ blø /

noun

1. French history

   1. the sky-blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood under the Bourbon monarchy

   2. a knight entitled to wear the cordon bleu

2. any very high distinction

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adjective

1. of or denoting food prepared to a very high standard

Etymology

Origin of cordon bleu

1720–30; < French: literally, blue ribbon

Example Sentences

He taught me how to do London Broil and chicken cordon bleu.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2023

“Beef bourguignon with crème fraîche . . . Or look at chicken cordon bleu and chicken Kyiv.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2023

I don’t know why, when I think of a fancy dish, only chicken cordon bleu comes to mind?

From New York Times • May 10, 2022

When I was a kid, chicken cordon bleu was one of those meals that always felt incredibly fancy.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2021

The long white hair that hung down his face, the cordon bleu, the lame foot, the imperturbable countenance, and the unearthly aspect, made me suspect the truth.

From Recollections of Europe by Cooper, James Fenimore