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

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

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2023

That includes many frozen foods found in grocery stores, including chicken cordon bleu and chicken Kyiv products that appear to be cooked through but are only heat-treated to set the batter or breading.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2022

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

Here's the thing — if chicken cordon bleu as-is is close to heavenly, chicken cordon bleu pasta is truly divine.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2021

He rose high in the French army, and had the cordon bleu: his sister was second wife of the first Duke of Berwick.

From The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 1 by Cunningham, Peter