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

Concerning The Master Password Attack Campaign The LastPass Threat Intelligence, Mitigation, and Escalation team is doing a first-class job of keeping on top of the master password compromise attack campaign, and has now updated its intel. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

This Greek brand with outposts in the towns of Imerovigli and Oia alike stands out for its first-class views of the caldera. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Noun

On Friday, a journey from Paris to Lyon was priced at €132 ($155) for a seat in traditional first class, and €180 ($211) for the child-free Optimum Plus, a version of Optimum only offered on the Paris-Lyon route that includes a personal host and dining. —Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026

There is no cost to attend, and those interested can register at their first class. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 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
• 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