red carpet

noun

1. a red strip of carpet placed on the ground for high-ranking dignitaries to walk on when entering or leaving a building, vehicle, or the like.

2. 1. an area abutting the entrance to a building, usually carpeted in red, where celebrities gather and walk before participating in or taking their seats at a big event.

      The winning actress had of course been interviewed on the red carpet before the Academy Awards.

   2. the activity that goes on in this area.

      Six reporters will be covering the red carpet at the charity's annual gala.

3. a display of courtesy or deference, as that shown to persons of high station.

   The visiting prince was treated to the red carpet in Rome.

red carpet

noun

1. a strip of red carpeting laid for important dignitaries to walk on when arriving or departing

2. 1. deferential treatment accorded to a person of importance

   2. ( as modifier )

      the returning hero had a red-carpet reception

Other Word Forms

• red-carpet adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of red carpet¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Idioms and Phrases

Honorary treatment, lavish hospitality, as in We'll have to get out the red carpet for the President's visit. This term comes from the literal practice of rolling out a carpet to welcome a royal or other esteemed guest, and indeed is often put as roll out the red carpet. [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

At the Berlin festival, several actors and directors held up on the red carpet a photo of David Cunio.

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The NBA making its return in Macau showed that Beijing was "opening the side door but not the main gates and red carpet just yet", said Fischer, now an international sports consultant.

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The Oscar winning actor was also on red carpet, and explained that while he's a similar age to his character, he feels he hasn't made the same misjudgements.

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From the ancient Irish practice of mumming to walking the red carpet, the Armagh Rhymers were central to a meeting of myth and couture for McQueen's Paris Fashion Week show.

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"I've looked miserable for all these years because when we stand on the red carpet, this guy has always gone on the left," she says, gesturing at Sir David.

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Related Words

• welcome mat