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ace

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈeɪs// UK //ˈeɪs// ace
  1. 1 playing card (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a playing card with one symbol on it, usually the highest card in the deck.

    a playing card with a single pip, typically functioning as the highest-ranking card in most modern games.

    Example

    He won the final hand because he was holding the ace of spades.

    Example

    In many variations of poker, the ace can serve as either the highest or the lowest card in a straight.

  2. 2 expert person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who is exceptionally good at a particular activity.

    an individual of supreme talent or expertise, often used attributively to describe a specialist.

    Example

    The company hired an ace reporter to cover the political scandal.

    Example

    The team's ace pitcher was sidelined by a shoulder injury just weeks before the championship series began.
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  1. 3 tennis serve (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a serve in tennis that is so good the other player cannot even touch it.

    a legal serve that is not touched by the receiver, resulting in an immediate point for the server.

    Example

    She served three aces in a row to win the first set.

    Example

    The player relied on his powerful first serve to rack up aces and keep his opponent on the defensive.

  2. 4 military pilot (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    a pilot who has shot down many enemy planes.

    a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat.

    Example

    The retired pilot was celebrated as a flying ace from the Second World War.

    Example

    To be officially recognised as an ace, the pilot had to provide verified evidence of each successful engagement.

  3. 5 to do perfectly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal American English

    to do something perfectly, especially a test or an interview.

    to achieve a perfect score or perform exceptionally well on an assessment or in a competitive situation.

    Example

    I studied all night and I think I managed to ace the exam.

    Example

    Despite her initial nerves, she managed to ace the technical interview and was offered the position the following day.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as 'the test' or 'the audition'.
  4. 6 excellent (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal British English

    very good or excellent.

    denoting high quality or excellence; used as a general-purpose superlative in informal contexts.

    Example

    We had an ace time at the concert last night.

    Example

    The new skate park is absolutely ace, featuring several bowls and a massive half-pipe.
  5. 7 asexual (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Psychology

    a short way to say asexual, meaning someone who does not feel sexual attraction.

    a shortened form of asexual; used to describe individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction to others.

    Example

    She realized she was ace after reading about different types of attraction online.

    Example

    The community centre provides a safe space for ace and aromantic individuals to share their experiences.
Idioms3 entries

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