1. thin wood shavings used for packing fragile items or stuffing

1. used to express the idea of striving upward or achieving excellence
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The antique vase was carefully packed in excelsior to prevent damage during shipping.
• We used excelsior to cushion the delicate ornaments in the storage box.
• The old mattress was stuffed with excelsior instead of modern foam.
• Excelsior was commonly used as packing material before the invention of bubble wrap.
• The motto ‘Excelsior!’ appeared on the school banner, inspiring students to reach higher.
• He shouted ‘Excelsior!’ as he climbed toward the mountain peak.