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
• superb
• wonderful
• terrific
• great
• lovely
• beautiful
• fantastic
• 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

While second- and first-class passengers have a headset to use for the en route audio guide, excellence-class passengers have tablets and headphones to follow along on the journey. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

The insurance commissioner, a Democrat, has also come under scrutiny during his second term for first-class travel to a number of global destinations. —Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Noun

One day after the early signing period began for the class of 2026, Missouri Tigers football coach Eli Drinkwitz landed his first class of 2027 commitment. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 4 Dec. 2025

My itinerary included a variety of train types and service levels, but I was always booked in first class. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2025

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
• chagas
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse

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