In the United Kingdom, an MBE stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, which is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire award. It is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact. The Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service outside the civil service. The five classes of appointment to the Order are, from highest grade to lowest grade:

• Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE)
• Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE)
• Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
• Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
• Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

It is worth noting that in the United States, MBE stands for Minority Business Enterprise, which is defined by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) as a United States citizen who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American.