first-class

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈklas 

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 class of travel accommodations

b

: a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, or matter sealed against inspection

Synonyms of first-class

Adjective

• excellent
• wonderful
• superb
• terrific
• great
• lovely
• fantastic
• beautiful
• awesome
• fabulous
• stellar
• prime
• marvelous
• fine
• quality

Examples of first-class in a Sentence

Adjective

a first-class production of a classic American musical

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Hawaiian Airlines’ 24 Airbus A330s will each get 22 all-new first-class suites with sliding doors, starting in 2028, and its first-ever premium-economy section, with 28 seats. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Some people spend hundreds on first-class upgrades to feel better, but a pair of lightweight compression socks can prevent a lot of the pains that come with long travel days—even if you’re stuck in economy. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026

Noun

Even before this latest accolade, La Première has long been considered one of the industry's most exclusive first class products. — Emily Adler Sach, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026

At this point, most of the remaining work involves installing the finishing touches to the many VIP lounges and private dining areas that would seem more conducive to Emirates Air first class passengers than Big Ten football fans. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for first-class

• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse
• jackass

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