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first-class

adjective
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\ ˈfərs(t)-ˈklas How to pronounce first-class (audio) \

Definition of first-class

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of or relating to first class
2 : of the highest quality a first-class meal

first class

noun

Definition of first class (Entry 2 of 2)

: the first or highest group in a classification: such as
a : the highest of usually three classes of travel accommodations
b : a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, or matter sealed against inspection
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Other Words from first-class

Adjective

first-class adverb

Examples of first-class in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The north checkpoint at Terminal 1 is now used by all standard, first class, priority and CLEAR standard travelers. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, "No, the security lines at MSP are not three hours long. But arrive early anyway — very early, says Delta," 30 Aug. 2019 On Friday, as Raiders veteran players reported for training camp, the same message was levied at members of Gruden’s first class. — Matt Kawahara, SFChronicle.com, "Mayock: Raiders’ second-year players must ‘step up’," 26 July 2019 In taking the rare step, the NAACP cited several incidents involving African American passengers being removed from flights or bumped from first class. — Janelle Griffith, NBC News, "American Airlines apologizes to woman required to cover up on flight," 11 July 2019 Let’s shatter one myth right now: Airline passengers typically can’t talk their way into upgrades from the cheapest coach seats to first class just by dressing up and asking politely. — Liz Weston, The Seattle Times, "Liz Weston: How to score luxury travel for less," 29 Oct. 2018 Since that first class three decades ago, nearly 90 percent of Meyerhoff scholars have graduated in science and engineering. — Catherine Rentz, baltimoresun.com, "'Agents of change:' A year with the UMBC program shaping some of the nation's best and most diverse scientists," 18 May 2018 Since that first class, EDWINS has graduated nearly 200 students, with no plans of slowing down. — Dana Mcmahan, Esquire, "EDWINS in Cleveland Is Teaching Former Inmates How to Run a Restaurant," 2 Mar. 2018 The seats in coach are named Brandon, not those in first class. — Longreads, "My Love Affair with Chairs," 13 Sep. 2019 Brown was sitting in first class when he was involved in some kind of altercation before takeoff, according to the original report. — Cicero Estrella, The Mercury News, "Bobby Brown kicked off flight from L.A. to Boston following a confrontation," 9 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'first-class.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of first-class

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined above

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Statistics for first-class

Time Traveler for first-class

The first known use of first-class was in 1616

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More Definitions for first-class

first-class

adjective
How to pronounce first class (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of first-class

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of or relating to first class
: of the best quality : of the highest excellence

first class

noun

English Language Learners Definition of first class (Entry 2 of 2)

: the best of usually three kinds of service you can have when you travel
: a class of mail in the U.S. that includes letters and postcards
: a class of mail in the U.K. that includes letters and packages which are delivered sooner than ordinary second-class mail but cost more to send

See the full definition for first class in the English Language Learners Dictionary

first-class

adjective
\ ˈfərst-ˈklas\

Kids Definition of first-class

1 : relating to the best group in a classification
2 : excellent

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More from Merriam-Webster on first-class

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for first-class

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with first-class

Spanish Central: Translation of first-class

Nglish: Translation of first-class for Spanish Speakers

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