cordon bleu

American  

[kawr-dawn blœ] / kɔr dɔ̃ ˈblœ /

noun

• cordons bleus
  plural

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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cordons bleus
  plural

Etymology

Origin of cordon bleu

1720–30; < French: literally, blue ribbon

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cordon bleu

The kid’s joy is as stratospheric as the plane; he adores everything but the airline’s chicken cordon bleu.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

“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

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

Instead he would have to greet her with the news that the pocket Venus with the polished nails had turned out to be a cordon bleu.

From Come Out of the Kitchen! A Romance by Alice Duer Miller