Modern rhythmic gymnastics is an interconnected tandem of art and sport. Complex combinations of gymnastic, acrobatic, dance, smooth and flowing routines which involve different tools in combination with a variety of musical accompaniment constitute the basis of modern rhythmic gymnastics. Thanks to the interrelation between gymnastics and ballet, the movement coordination and expressiveness as well as plasticity, sense of rhythm, gracefulness and artistry are developed. The article provides terminology related to ribbon routines in the process of development and formation of rhythmic gymnastics. The authors present the discrepancies between the description and application of the terms in the early years of rhythmic gymnastics and in the competition rules at present. Requirements for gymnastic terminology concerning ribbon routines and the rules for their use have been formulated. Examples are given of the difference in descriptions of the same routines in the competition rules of this sport since its emergence and through the evolutionary process.