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

Georgia saw a 90% on-time delivery rate for first-class mail for most of 2023. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 5 June 2026

Travelers on The Duluth Zephyr are treated to a taste of what was, along with slightly more modern perks—including the option to purchase a ticket in the first-class SkyView Dome Car. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026

Noun

Sleek Noise-cancelling Headphones From the roar of the engine to conversations from nearby neighbors, plane travel can often be noisy, even if you’re seated in first class. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026

This is The Atlantic’s first class of fellows since 2020; the six joining next month were selected from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants. —The Atlantic, 3 June 2026

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
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse
• jackass

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