excellency

noun

ex·​cel·​len·​cy ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)-sē How to pronounce excellency (audio)
plural excellencies
1
: excellence
especially : outstanding or valuable quality
usually used in plural
so crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies William Shakespeare
2
used as a title for high dignitaries of state (such as a governor or an ambassador) or church (such as a Roman Catholic archbishop or bishop)

Examples of excellency in a Sentence

claimed that granite has so many excellencies as material for countertops that it is well worth the high price the excellency of the violins crafted by Stradivarius is beyond dispute
Recent Examples on the Web Paradise Dynasty, Kang Kang, Long Xing Ji, Hui Tou Xiang, Min Min Pie House (and so many more) should all be household names worthy of recognition for their myriad styles and excellency. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2024 The Campari Passion for Film Award honors excellency in behind-the-camera crafts talent. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Aug. 2023 For so many people, here in Europe and across the pond, Thierry was the epitome of football excellency, a transcendent star who could dance or delight on the pitch, in a way that seemed to entertain even the gods. Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2023 Seeing the back of a coach who has taken English soccer to new levels of excellency in his longer-than-expected time at City will be a relief to the rest of the Premier League. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 5 Aug. 2022 Her excellency’s message in her first address with the new title? Justin Curto, Vulture, 30 Nov. 2021 Tomi Talabi, founder of The Black Beauty Club, is being recognized in the executive excellency category. Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2021 During his first two seasons in the league, the Slovenian has become accustomed to breaking records on an almost weekly basis, such is his excellency on the court. Ben Morse, CNN, 5 Jan. 2021 Raise your glass to his excellency, Bear 747, and cheers to a happy hibernation. Sunset Magazine, 8 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excellency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excellency was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near excellency

Cite this Entry

“Excellency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

excellency

noun
ex·​cel·​len·​cy ˈek-s(ə-)lən-sē How to pronounce excellency (audio)
plural excellencies
1
2
used as a title for some high government and church officials
your Excellency

More from Merriam-Webster on excellency

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!