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

Additionally, the agency is seeking price changes for first-class mail products, periodicals, marketing mail and package services. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

During an appearance in front of Congress back in March, Postmaster General David Steiner suggested that a price hike on first-class stamps could have gone as high as 95 cents. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Noun

The company said that premium ticket revenue, from first class and other more expensive options compared with coach, was up 14% in the first quarter over last year. —Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026

The expansion of the Air Rail network comes as Swiss Air works to upgrade its first class cabin. —Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 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