excellency

noun

ex·​cel·​len·​cy ˈek-s(ə-)lən(t)-sē 

plural excellencies

1

: excellence

especially : outstanding or valuable quality

—usually used in plural

so crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies

—William Shakespeare

2

—used as a title for high dignitaries of state (such as a governor or an ambassador) or church (such as a Roman Catholic archbishop or bishop)

Synonyms

• cardinal virtue
• distinction
• excellence
• grace
• merit
• value
• virtue

Examples of excellency in a Sentence

claimed that granite has so many excellencies as material for countertops that it is well worth the high price

the excellency of the violins crafted by Stradivarius is beyond dispute

Recent Examples on the Web

Education was considered an individual pursuit marked by moral excellency and only the students who did the best in school would have proceeded to higher education. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024

Zurich said the Game Changer Award pays tribute to excellency in the film business with a focus on leaders that not only cherish change and forward-thinking approaches in the business, but also stand for the DNA of what cinema has represented since its invention. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2024

Paradise Dynasty, Kang Kang, Long Xing Ji, Hui Tou Xiang, Min Min Pie House (and so many more) should all be household names worthy of recognition for their myriad styles and excellency. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2024

The Campari Passion for Film Award honors excellency in behind-the-camera crafts talent. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Aug. 2023

For so many people, here in Europe and across the pond, Thierry was the epitome of football excellency, a transcendent star who could dance or delight on the pitch, in a way that seemed to entertain even the gods. —Tyler R. Tynes, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2023

Seeing the back of a coach who has taken English soccer to new levels of excellency in his longer-than-expected time at City will be a relief to the rest of the Premier League. —Tim Bielik, cleveland, 5 Aug. 2022

Her excellency’s message in her first address with the new title? —Justin Curto, Vulture, 30 Nov. 2021

Tomi Talabi, founder of The Black Beauty Club, is being recognized in the executive excellency category. —Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

excellency

noun

ex·​cel·​len·​cy ˈek-s(ə-)lən-sē 

plural excellencies

1

: excellence

2

—used as a title for some high government and church officials

your Excellency