red ribbon

American  

noun

1. a badge, banner, rosette, or the like made of red-colored ribbon or other material and used to signify the achievement of second place, as in a contest.

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Etymology

Origin of red ribbon

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

But one room in the guesthouse is still sealed with a red ribbon, as it has been since its occupant died there on Easter Monday.

From BBC • May 6, 2025

Cascades of red ribbon are snuggled up among the details, their white snowflakes adding to the thematic design.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 23, 2022

Find a headstone and place the wreath at each one with the red ribbon at the top.

From Washington Post • Dec. 17, 2022

Up ahead, Amal’s long brown hair swayed in the breeze, adorned with a bright red ribbon that was a beacon for those farther back.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2022

Mrs. Granger pulled off the red ribbon and tore off the paper and lifted the lid of the box.

From "Frindle" by Andrew Clements