ribbon-cutting
Grand opening gesture
Ribbon-cutting refers to a ceremonial event marking the official opening of a new building, business, or public facility, where someone—typically a dignitary or owner—cuts a ribbon stretched across an entrance or threshold.
The ceremony signals that a place is now open to the public and often draws media coverage.
As an adjective, it describes events or moments associated with such inaugurations: The mayor attended three ribbon-cutting ceremonies this week.
The term sometimes appears figuratively for any formal launch or debut.
Formal beginning ceremony
- grand openingCelebratory business debut
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- unveilingAct of first revealing
- christeningCeremony naming a child
launch · premiere · commencement · dignitaries · scissors · podium · speeches · officials
Structure spanning an obstacle
- highwayMajor road for travel
- hospitalMedical treatment facility
- libraryBook collection or building
- airportAviation passenger facility
stadium · facility · public works · municipal · civic · government · project · construction
Notable event marking progress
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- new chapterDistinct period starting now
- beginningInitial stage of something
- thresholdPoint of beginning
transition · fresh start · breakthrough · turning point · progress · advancement · culmination · accomplishment
Retail facade facing street
- retailSales to end users
- franchiseLicensed business operation
- expansionIncrease in scope
- entrepreneurOne who starts businesses
flagship · venture · shopfront · commercial · marketplace · boutique · outlet · enterprise
inauguration
Formal beginning ceremony
- grand openingCelebratory business debut
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- unveilingAct of first revealing
christening · launch · premiere · commencement · dignitaries · scissors · podium · speeches · officials · fanfare
bridge
Structure spanning an obstacle
airport · stadium · facility · public works · municipal · civic · government · project · construction · development
milestone
Notable event marking progress
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- new chapterDistinct period starting now
- beginningInitial stage of something
threshold · transition · fresh start · breakthrough · turning point · progress · advancement · culmination · accomplishment · opportunity
storefront
Retail facade facing street
entrepreneur · flagship · venture · shopfront · commercial · marketplace · boutique · outlet · enterprise · startup
- groundbreaking events
- Unveilingsgrand opening, surprise reveal, unmasking, debut, premiere
- commemorationscommemoration, remembrance, memorial service, centennial, bicentennial
ribbon-cuttingclosing ceremony
Formal concluding event
decommissioning · shutdown · farewell ceremony · retirement ceremony · last day
ribbon, ribbons, ribboned, cutting, cuttings, cutter, cutters, uncut