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 of usually three classes of travel accommodations

b

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

Synonyms

Adjective

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

Examples of first-class in a Sentence

Adjective

a first-class production of a classic American musical

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Tu Tu’ Tun was also a favorite of fishermen fishing on the Rogue or in the Pacific. Since April 2024, Tu Tu’ Tun has been undergoing a transformation, from rustic lodge to destination dining and first-class hotel. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, itineraries to Iceland’s Keflavik Airport (KEF) will operate daily on a 737 MAX 8, a narrow-body plane that offers 12 recliners in the first-class cabins, 30 premium-class seats, and 115 economy seats. —AFAR Media, 13 Aug. 2025

Noun

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Joan Goodwin, a physics professor with a lifelong love of the stars, seizes the chance to join NASA’s first class of women astronauts and soon finds friendship, passion, and purpose among her fellow trainees. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025

Saturdays, Oviedo Gym & Aquatics Facility, 148 Oviedo Blvd., Oviedo, first class free, then $5 per class, 407-971-5565. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 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