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

Mandatory private jet travel has long been common among high-profile CEOs, and companies are also leaning in on first-class air travel for executive teams, the survey of compensation professionals from 291 public and private companies found. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025

Keep scrolling to discover tailored pants, cashmere sweaters, sophisticated shoes, and more—all worthy of a first-class upgrade. —Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025

Noun

Airline cabin classes like premium economy, business, and first class can be confusing and vary significantly between domestic and international flights. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025

The first class this year has a dozen enrollees, but that number is expected to increase next year and beyond. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 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