ribbon

Multiple Entries:
  ribbon    blue riband  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
ribbon/ˈrɪbən/

▶noun

• 1 a long, narrow strip of fabric, used for tying something or for decoration.

  ■ a ribbon of a special colour or design awarded as a prize or worn to indicate the holding of an honour.

• 2 a long, narrow strip.

• 3 a narrow band of impregnated material forming the inking agent in some typewriters and computer printers.

▶verb extend or move in a long, narrow strip.

– phrases
cut (or tear) something to ribbons damage something severely.

– derivatives
ribboned adjective.

– origin C16: var. of riband.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
blue riband/bluːˈrɪbənd/

▶noun

• 1 (N. Amer. also blue ribbon) a ribbon of blue silk given to the winner of a competition or as a mark of great distinction.

  ■ a badge worn by members of the Order of the Garter.

• 2 (Blue Riband or Ribbon) a trophy for the ship making the fastest eastward sea crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a regular commercial voyage.

▶adjective (blue-ribbon) N. Amer.

• 1 of the highest quality; first-class.

• 2 (of a jury or committee) carefully or specially selected.