excellent

adjective

ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce excellent (audio)
1
: very good of its kind : eminently good : first-class
2
archaic : superior
excellently adverb

Examples of excellent in a Sentence

Her new movie has received excellent reviews. He is an excellent role model for young men everywhere. The car is in excellent condition.
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.
One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti. The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025 Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care. Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025 However, canned tuna is an excellent alternative for those on a tighter budget or seeking a slightly higher protein content. Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 July 2025 The Amex Gold typically requires having good to excellent credit, or a score ranging from 670 to 850. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for excellent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin excellent-, excellens, from present participle of excellere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excellent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excellent. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

excellent

adjective
ex·​cel·​lent ˈek-s(ə-)lənt How to pronounce excellent (audio)
: very good of its kind : first-class
excellently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on excellent

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