excellence

noun

ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce excellence (audio)
1
: the quality of being excellent
an award for academic excellence
setting a high standard of excellence
see also black excellence
2
plural excellences : an excellent or valuable quality : virtue
… I am as admiring as almost everyone else of the film's many excellencesDaniel Mendelsohn
3
or Excellence : excellency sense 2
Lord Regent, I do greet your ExcellenceWilliam Shakespeare

Examples of excellence in a Sentence

The school is known for the excellence of its teachers. an award for academic excellence setting a high standard of excellence
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This reality drives the team’s commitment to excellence, with Jordan emphasizing the importance of ensuring every guest leaves on a positive note. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 June 2025 The series has also won two Annie Awards, for excellence in the field of animation, in 2023 and 2025 in the category of Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children. Debbie Day, EW.com, 26 June 2025 Askren’s athletic excellence was matched by lifelong friendships and a dedication to helping others. Sofia Schwarzwalder, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025 The Board of Governors is responsible for setting the Academy’s strategic vision, maintaining its financial stability and ensuring the fulfillment of its mission to support excellence in the motion picture arts and sciences. Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for excellence

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excellence was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Excellence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellence. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

excellence

noun
ex·​cel·​lence ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)s How to pronounce excellence (audio)
1
: high quality
2
: an excellent quality : virtue
3

More from Merriam-Webster on excellence

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