excuse me
idiom
1
—used as a polite way of starting to say something
Excuse me, but do you mind if I shut the window?
2
—used as a polite way of starting to interrupt someone
Excuse me, but may I say something?
3
—used as a polite way of trying to get someone's attention
Excuse me, do you know where I can find Maple Street?
4
—used as a polite way of starting to say one disagrees with someone
Excuse me, but I don't think those figures are entirely accurate.
5
—used as a polite apology for a minor fault or offense, such as laughing, coughing, or burping
6
US
—used as a polite apology for getting in someone's way or bumping into someone
Oh, excuse me. I didn't notice you standing there.
7
chiefly US
—used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat something
Excuse me? I didn't hear the last part of what you were saying.
8
informal
—often used in an annoyed way when someone has suggested that a person has done something wrong and the person does not agree
"You were supposed to be home an hour ago." "Well, excuse me! I had to fix a flat tire."
Examples of excuse me in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The pilot episode kicks off with a closeted member of the Washberg family, Dale (Tim Blake Nelson), appearing to commit suicide after Lee’s latest exposé (excuse me, long-form magazine article).
—
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
The prospect of spending nearly two unfiltered hours with Kanye West, excuse me, Ye, should fill anyone with dread.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2025
For whatever reason, as the clock ran out on the last century — excuse me, last millennium — the vibes got anxious.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025
If anyone on Shark Tank had asked for a 50 percent stake in Jack’s patent, every viewer would be like, excuse me??
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 21 July 2025
After 25 long, humbling and frustrating seasons, the New York Knicks — excuse me — your New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference finals after defeating the defending-champion Boston Celtics in six games.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 17 May 2025
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.
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
The prospect of spending nearly two unfiltered hours with Kanye West, excuse me, Ye, should fill anyone with dread.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2025
For whatever reason, as the clock ran out on the last century — excuse me, last millennium — the vibes got anxious.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025
If anyone on Shark Tank had asked for a 50 percent stake in Jack’s patent, every viewer would be like, excuse me??
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 21 July 2025
After 25 long, humbling and frustrating seasons, the New York Knicks — excuse me — your New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference finals after defeating the defending-champion Boston Celtics in six games.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Excuse me.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excuse%20me. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share