first-rate

1 of 2

adjective

: of the first order of size, importance, or quality
first-rateness noun
first-rater noun

first-rate

2 of 2

adverb

: very well
is getting along first-rateMark Twain

Examples of first-rate in a Sentence

Adjective wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
This online lender combines a first-rate web experience with stellar customer service and offers remote closing where it’s allowed. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2024 Hendersonville also has a first-rate downtown with museums, shops, and restaurants to enliven a weekend trip. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024
Adverb
The sushi is first-rate and the creative rolls include the Rainbow which manages to contains tuna, salmon, hamachi, shrimp and avocado. Sherrie Nachman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023 The island is known for its outdoor experiences, including first-rate scuba diving at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, kayaking Salt Lake in Vatudamu, and hiking to see Maroroya Falls. Adrienne Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for first-rate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first-rate.' 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

1674, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-rate was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near first-rate

Cite this Entry

“First-rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-rate. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

first-rate

adjective
ˈfərst-ˈrāt
: of the first order of size, importance, or quality
first-rate adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on first-rate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!