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first-class

adjective
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\ ˈfərs(t)-ˈklas How to pronounce first-class (audio) \

Definition of first-class

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of or relating to first class
2 : of the highest quality a first-class meal

first class

noun

Definition of first class (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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
Other Words from first-class Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about first-class

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Other Words from first-class

Adjective

first-class adverb

Examples of first-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun With encouragement from the fire inspector and her parents, Boone applied and was one of 24 accepted into the first class. — oregonlive, "Portland Fire Chief Sara Boone climbing historic ladders," 29 Nov. 2019 She was born in Bridgeport and graduated from St. Ann, before being a member of the first class at Fairfield's Andrew Ward High School in 1957. — courant.com, "Judith Ondek," 24 Nov. 2019 In the decades when the Congress party dominated politics, paunchy politicians moved into colonial-era bungalows and travelled first class. — The Economist, "The prime minister What does Narendra Modi want?," 24 Oct. 2019 Pruitt has also been questioned for his use of 24-hour security on vacations and for traveling first class. — Sophie Tatum And Rene Marsh, CNN, "EPA inspector general details numerous reviews into Scott Pruitt's actions," 27 Apr. 2018 In 2015, Powell was among the first class of women to gain membership into the most exclusive club in the world, the 265-year-old Royal and Ancient Golf Club. — James Brown, CBS News, "Renee Powell: A driving force in golf," 17 Nov. 2019 The gym also has an introductory offer where the first class is free. — John-john Williams Iv, baltimoresun.com, "For local kids, Bel Air’s new boxing gym is a knockout," 14 Nov. 2019 This week, the first class of cohorts graduated from TechNovum, an accelerator program in its first year at UT Health San Antonio. — Laura Garcia, ExpressNews.com, "‘Geniuses’ pitch anti-cancer drug, medical devices at UT Health San Antonio," 7 Nov. 2019 The real-time advice comes from several directions: their mentor chefs, Lee and Ofcacek, and the first class of graduates. — Dahlia Ghabour, The Courier-Journal, "Who run the world? This Louisville culinary program proves it's female chefs," 22 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'first-class.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of first-class

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for first-class

Time Traveler

The first known use of first-class was in 1616

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Cite this Entry

“First-class.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20class?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=f&file=first_01. Accessed 12 December 2019.

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More Definitions for first-class

first-class

adjective
How to pronounce first class (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of first-class

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of or relating to first class
: of the best quality : of the highest excellence

first class

noun

English Language Learners Definition of first class (Entry 2 of 2)

: the best of usually three kinds of service you can have when you travel
: a class of mail in the U.S. that includes letters and postcards
: a class of mail in the U.K. that includes letters and packages which are delivered sooner than ordinary second-class mail but cost more to send

See the full definition for first class in the English Language Learners Dictionary

first-class

adjective
\ ˈfərst-ˈklas \

Kids Definition of first-class

1 : relating to the best group in a classification
2 : excellent

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More from Merriam-Webster on first-class

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for first-class

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with first-class

Spanish Central: Translation of first-class

Nglish: Translation of first-class for Spanish Speakers

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