first-class

1 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to first class
2
: of the highest quality
a first-class meal
first-class adverb

first class

2 of 2

noun

: the first or highest group in a classification: such as
a
: the highest of usually three classes of travel accommodations
b
: a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, or matter sealed against inspection

Examples of first-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The new first-class service was developed in partnership with the Jet. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2024 Business trips can conjure up images of fancy first-class tickets to major cities or staying at a Hilton in a small town about 20 minutes from the airport. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for first-class 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first-class.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-class was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near first-class

first-chop

first-class

first class

Cite this Entry

“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-class. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

first-class

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of or relating to first class
2
: of the highest quality : excellent
a first-class meal

first class

2 of 2 noun
: the best or highest group in a classification

More from Merriam-Webster on first-class

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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