red carpet

American  

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.

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red carpet British  

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

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red carpet Idioms  

1. 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]

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• red-carpet
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of red carpet

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

She was last seen on the red carpet at this year's Mobo Awards in Manchester.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The designer drew inspiration for Gregory’s burgundy coat from a Coogler red carpet moment, tailoring a clean, sophisticated silhouette while playing with the scale of Janine’s costume.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Scarlett Johansson’s performance in the emotional crime drama sparked some of the first major Oscar chatter, though the actress was absent from the red carpet.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Stokes and Ballerini began dating in 2023, going red carpet official later that year.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Outside, under a low gray sky, Richard, Pat, and Tricia Nixon walked along a red carpet to a waiting helicopter.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• welcome mat