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

• red-carpet
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of red carpet

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The devil makes only an occasional appearance on the fashion runway and on the red carpet; historically, too, his presence has been minimal.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

The two leaders shook hands warmly, Trump patting Xi's hand, and exchanged a few words on the red carpet before the cameras.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

A red carpet was rolled out at the bottom of the aircraft’s stairs with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng awaiting Trump.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

“So dressing up before the red carpet, my brother, my nephews, some friends will help. It’s an intimate moment you share with loved ones, this ritual of getting dressed for the ceremony.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

The red carpet took away their feet sounds.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

Related Words

• welcome mat