excuse me

phrase

—used as a polite way of starting to say something

Excuse me, but do you mind if I shut the window?

—used as a polite way of starting to interrupt someone

Excuse me, but may I say something?

—used as a polite way of trying to get someone's attention

Excuse me, do you know where I can find Maple Street?

—used as a polite way of starting to say one disagrees with someone

Excuse me, but I don't think those figures are entirely accurate.

—used as a polite apology for a minor fault or offense, such as laughing, coughing, or burping

—used as a polite apology for getting in someone's way or bumping into someone

Oh, excuse me. I didn't notice you standing there.

chiefly US

—used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat something

Excuse me? I didn't hear the last part of what you were saying.

informal

—often used in an annoyed way when someone has suggested that a person has done something wrong and the person does not agree

"You were supposed to be home an hour ago." "Well, excuse me! I had to fix a flat tire."

Style

“Excuse me.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/excuse%20me. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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