Definition of excelsior
: fine curled wood shavings used especially for packing fragile items
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of excelsior
trade name, from Latin, higher, comparative of excelsus high, from past participle of excellere
First Known Use: 1868
excelsior
play
Latin adverb
ex·cel·si·or
\ik-ˈsel-sē-ər, eks-ˈkel-sē-ˌȯr\
Definition of excelsior
: higher —motto of New York
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up excelsior? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!