red-carpet

1 of 2

adjective

red-car·​pet ˈred-ˈkär-pət How to pronounce red-carpet (audio)
Synonyms of red-carpetnext
: marked by ceremonial courtesy
red-carpet treatment

red carpet

2 of 2

noun

: a greeting or reception marked by ceremonial courtesy
—usually used in the phrase roll out the red carpet

Examples of red-carpet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In January, at a red-carpet event in Aventura, Ormo spoke about being happy with his career and acknowledged his Venezuelan roots. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 From making a red-carpet appearance with Tom Cruise to visiting Belfast, Prince William and Kate Middleton have been busy in recent weeks. — Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
Having dressed numerous actresses throughout her career, Chiuri sees a shift in red carpet culture toward individualized creations and, more recently, greater restraint. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Michelle Yeoh, back on the Busan red carpet after a 15-year absence, was named Asian Filmmaker of the Year at an opening ceremony hosted by Kim Minha, where Ann Hui received the Camellia Award. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red-carpet

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from the traditional laying down of a red carpet for important guests to walk on

First Known Use

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-carpet was in 1934

Rhymes for red-carpet

See All Rhymes for red-carpet

Browse Nearby Words

red carp
red-carpet
red carpet
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Cite this Entry

“Red-carpet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-carpet. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

red-carpet

adjective
red-car·​pet
-ˈkär-pət
: marked by ceremonial courtesy
red-carpet treatment

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