(usually initial capital letter) Also Excellence. a title of honor given to certain high officials, as governors, ambassadors, and Roman Catholic bishops and archbishops (preceded by his, your, etc.).
(usually initial capital letter) a person so entitled.
(usually initial capital letter) the title of the governor general of Canada while in office.
Usually excellencies. excellent qualities or features.
a title used to address or refer to a high-ranking official, such as an ambassador or governor
RC Church a title of bishops and archbishops in many non-English-speaking countries
1275–1325; Middle English excellencie < Latin excellentia. See excellent, -ency
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It's just another example of our partnership. And I hope you know, your excellency, that you can count on us."
From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025
“The document shows Brazil has fulfilled with excellency all the rigid demands of the bidding process,” Brazilian soccer confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said.
From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024
In his message to Xi, Francis expressed “greetings of good wishes to your excellency and the people of China.”
From Washington Times • Sep. 1, 2023
"I send greetings of good wishes to your excellency and the People of China," the Pope said in the telegram addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
From Reuters • Sep. 1, 2023
"They were very forward against Langdale's horse in the skirmish at Settle three days ago, your excellency."
From A Little Wizard by Weyman, Stanley J.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
