American Dictionary

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Definition excuse in American English

excuse noun

[countable] noun
/ɪkˈskjus/
1

a reason that you give to explain why you have done something bad, or why you have not done something that you should have done

Example

a reasonable/valid/legitimate excuse

Example

What excuse did they give for the delay?

Example

Joe was late, but as always he had an excuse.

Example

He made some excuse about having a lot of work to do.

Synonyms and related words
2

a reason for doing something that you want to do

Example

Birthdays are always a good excuse for a party.

Example

Emily was glad to have an excuse to change the subject.

Synonyms and related words
3

a note written by your parent or your doctor that explains why you have missed work or school

Example

You'll have to bring an excuse from your mother.

Synonyms and related words
Definition excuse in American English