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

What smart buyers do differently For condo buyers Treat HOA documents, reserve studies, and building inspections as a first-class risk audit — not paperwork to skim before closing. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Dec. 2025

On some flights, passengers who booked a first-class or business seat may fail to show up for their flight. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025

Noun

As premium travel becomes an increasingly important part of the airline industry, a new carrier is launching that looks to offer an experience beyond first class but without the enormous cost of chartering a private jet. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2025

Fogwell dismissed stories of people being given upgrades to business or first class based on their looks or how they're dressed during her conversation with Travel + Leisure. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 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