interjection

excelsior

ehk-SEHL-see-aw

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Excelsior (interjection) means a rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress. Example: “Comic-book fans know "Excelsior!" as Stan Lee's famous sign-off.”

interjection

A rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress.

"Comic-book fans know "Excelsior!" as Stan Lee's famous sign-off."

noun

Fine curled wood shavings used as packing or stuffing material.

"The vase arrived packed in excelsior to stop it from breaking."

How to use excelsior

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a "keep climbing higher" battle cry, or the wood-shaving packing material.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Comic-book fans know "_____!" as Stan Lee's famous sign-off.

Etymology

From Latin excelsior, "higher," the comparative of excelsus ("high"). The rallying-cry sense comes from Longfellow's 1841 poem "Excelsior" and was later popularized by Marvel editor Stan Lee.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1841

Class of 1841 excelsior joined the language around 1841.

dinosaur maelstrom

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Synonyms

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wood shavings

Rhymes for excelsior

Dior prior senior junior savior warrior anterior interior exterior behavior inferior superior

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Frequently asked questions

What does “excelsior” mean?

The word “excelsior” means a rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress. In plain terms, either a "keep climbing higher" battle cry, or the wood-shaving packing material.

How do you pronounce “excelsior”?

“Excelsior” is pronounced ehk-SEHL-see-aw (/ɛkˈsɛl.si.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “excelsior” in a sentence?

Here is “excelsior” used in a sentence: “Comic-book fans know "Excelsior!" as Stan Lee's famous sign-off.”

What part of speech is “excelsior”?

Depending on how it is used, “excelsior” can be an interjection and a noun.

Where does the word “excelsior” come from?

The word “excelsior” dates back to around 1841 and comes from Latin. From Latin excelsior, "higher," the comparative of excelsus ("high"). The rallying-cry sense comes from Longfellow's 1841 poem "Excelsior" and was later popularized by Marvel editor Stan Lee.

How many meanings does “excelsior” have?

“Excelsior” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress.