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
• wonderful
• superb
• terrific
• great
• lovely
• fantastic
• beautiful
• 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

Once on the plane (one of select Boeing 777-300ERs outfitted with new four-suite cabins), each first-class passenger has 37 square feet to themselves. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026

But the first-class flights, the five-star hotels—none of it felt natural to her. — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

Mendes is returning to the franchise as Ana Santos, an intern at a New York City auction house who feigns a higher job status after she is upgraded to first class on her flight to London. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

The airline is in the middle of a multiyear turnaround plan that includes cutting cuts and boosting revenue by investing in premium seats, like a new domestic first class section that recently went on sale. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Oct. 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