plural aces
1
: a playing card with one large figure in its center that can be the card with either the highest or lowest value
the ace of spades/diamonds/hearts/clubs
2
: a person who is very skilled at something
a computer ace
the ace of the team's pitching staff [=the best pitcher on the team]
—often used before another nounan ace mechanic/reporter
3
: a point scored on a serve that an opponent fails to hit in tennis
She won the match by scoring more than 30 aces.
4
US
: a score of one on a hole in golf : hole in one
He got/shot/scored an ace on the eighth hole.
aces; aced; acing
1
US, informal
: to earn a very high grade on (an examination) : to get a grade of A on (an examination)
He aced the test.
She aced her entrance exams.
: to perform very well on (a test or challenge)
He aced his annual physical.
2
: to score an ace against (an opponent in tennis)
He aced his opponent on the last point of the match.
3
US
: to score an ace on (a hole in golf)
She aced the 14th hole. [=she had a hole in one on the 14th hole]
Cite this Entry
“Ace.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ace. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
