excelsior

¹

[ik-sel-see-er, ek-]

noun

1. fine wood shavings, used for stuffing, packing, etc.

2. Printing.,  a 3-point type: a size smaller than brilliant.

excelsior

²

[ek-sel-si-ohr, ik-sel-see-awr, ek-]

adjective

Latin.

1. ever upward: motto of New York State.

excelsior

/ ɪkˈsɛlsɪˌɔː /

interjection

1. excellent: used as a motto and as a trademark for various products, esp in the US for fine wood shavings used for packing breakable objects

2. upwards

Word History and Origins

Origin of excelsior¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; formerly a trademark

Word History and Origins

Origin of excelsior¹

C19: from Latin: higher

Example Sentences

But I’m also remembering what Mr. Van Deusen said about the word “excelsior” meaning “Ever upward!”

From Literature

Even when mentioning the state motto, she avoided the Latin word, “excelsior,” which Mr. Cuomo was fond of repeating.

From New York Times

Are their precious seats in Congress so vital to them that they just kiss off the country and look the other way from the excelsior awaiting a national spark?

From Washington Post

Referred to as the common or European ash, the tree - the UK's only native ash species - is scientifically known as Fraxinus excelsior.

From BBC

Aspen Wood Products has rebuilt the mill destroyed by fire in Mancos, and the plant is again producing excelsior products from locally logged aspen.

From Washington Times

When To Use

What else does excelsior mean?

Excelsior is a Latin word translated into English as a motto meaning "Ever upward!"Marvel comics legend Stan Lee, who helped create such iconic characters as Spider-Man and the Hulk, famously used Excelsior! as his catchphrase.