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
Jackson has been by his side—literally on nearly every red-carpet photo and every charity dinner—for the whole transformative ride. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 While some stars turn to GLP-1s to address long-term weight struggles, others use the drugs to drop a few pounds — or even slim down before red-carpet events. — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
Michelle Rodriguez, who hosted the World Music Awards alongside Panettiere in 2010, remembered the late actress during a recent red carpet appearance. — Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 Meadow walked the red carpet in a white tank with fuzzy pants and matching sandals and took photos alongside her late father’s costars ahead of the screening. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red-carpet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-carpet. Accessed 20 Aug. 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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