first degree

1 of 2

noun

US : the level of a crime that is the most serious and warranting the most severe punishment

first-degree

2 of 2

adjective

first-de·​gree ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē How to pronounce first-degree (audio)
1
US : of the most serious type : warranting the harshest punishment
first-degree murder/theft/arson
2
: of the least harmful or mildest type
first-degree frostbite
see also first-degree burn

Examples of first degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Taiyana Tipton pleaded guilty to first degree murder in March and was given a life sentence. Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 14 Oct. 2025 In June 2005, Rader pleaded guilty to 10 counts of first degree murder. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Jackson was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, while Dontell was sentenced to 15 years in prison for being an accessory to murder and five years for conspiracy to murder. Mason Leath, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025 Michael Anthony Arredondo, 34, is charged in suspicion of first-degree murder in the June 2017 stabbing death of 25-year-old Evin Paulos. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first degree

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first degree was in 1682

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20degree. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

first-degree

adjective
: of the lowest or mildest in a series of categories : characterized by or causing the least harmful level of injury
a first-degree laceration
see also first-degree burn compare second-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

first degree

noun
: the grade given to the most serious forms of crimes
burglary in the first degree
first-degree adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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