# ace

/ˈeɪs/ (US) · /ˈeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ace
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. playing card

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- He won the final hand because he was holding the ace of spades.
- In many variations of poker, the ace can serve as either the highest or the lowest card in a straight.

### 2. expert person

noun · CEFR B2

someone who is exceptionally good at a particular activity.

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

- The company hired an ace reporter to cover the political scandal.
- The team's ace pitcher was sidelined by a shoulder injury just weeks before the championship series began.

### 3. tennis serve

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- She served three aces in a row to win the first set.
- The player relied on his powerful first serve to rack up aces and keep his opponent on the defensive.

### 4. military pilot

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a pilot who has shot down many enemy planes.

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

- The retired pilot was celebrated as a flying ace from the Second World War.
- To be officially recognised as an ace, the pilot had to provide verified evidence of each successful engagement.

### 5. to do perfectly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal · American English

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

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

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

### 6. excellent

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal · British English

very good or excellent.

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

- We had an ace time at the concert last night.
- The new skate park is absolutely ace, featuring several bowls and a massive half-pipe.

### 7. asexual

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang

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

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

- She realized she was ace after reading about different types of attraction online.
- The community centre provides a safe space for ace and aromantic individuals to share their experiences.

## Examples

- She is an ace at solving difficult math problems.
- The team signed a new pitching ace to help them win the championship this season.
- Despite being a newcomer to the firm, he quickly established himself as a legal ace by winning three high-profile cases in his first year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.