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
Despite 40-plus years of dazzling red-carpet moments—and two decades since becoming the first Arab designer on the official Paris haute couture calendar—in real life Elie Saab is still more comfortable letting his runway do the talking for him. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Celebrities trade red-carpet formality for jeans and flannel, while audiences crisscross town between screenings in a high school auditorium, a Masonic lodge, the county courthouse and half a dozen other spaces pressed into service for the week. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
And, arguably, the biggest star who may or may not walk Venice’s red carpet — aside from Noel and Liam Gallagher — will likely do so on behalf of a documentary. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Since then, he's been featured alongside Kimmel on the talk show and his own viral segments like the Oscars red carpet where he can be found admiring Charlize Theron. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

red-carpet

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

More from Merriam-Webster on red-carpet

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