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

Purslow earned first-class honors in Modern Languages from the University of Bristol in 2020 and went on to receive an MSc in International Business from Hult International Business School, before beginning his career in the sports industry at Pitch Marketing Group in 2021. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025

Their first-class approach to customer service and their willingness to take risks with us has always generated excitement both in-store and for our consumers. —Jennie Bell, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025

Noun

Two students from that first class proposed bringing hives to campus. —Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

The first class of eligible claimants includes AT&T customers who were impacted in the March 30, 2024 data breach. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 Nov. 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