first degree

1 of 2

noun

US : the level of a crime that is the most serious and warranting the most severe punishment

first-degree

2 of 2

adjective

first-de·​gree ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē 

1

US : of the most serious type : warranting the harshest punishment

first-degree murder/theft/arson

2

: of the least harmful or mildest type

first-degree frostbite

see also first-degree burn

Examples of first degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His recent arrest includes two felony charges, use of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and criminal attempt of first degree murder. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

The boy’s father, Jehaaz-Akil Khaliq Echoles, 31, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the case, police said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Adjective

In 2007, Gonzalez was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and, in 2004, Edwards was convicted of first-degree assault. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

Without a first-degree verdict, the possibility of life sentences without parole for the two men has been eliminated. — Darrell Smith july 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for first degree

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Medical Definition

first-degree

adjective

ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē 

: of the lowest or mildest in a series of categories : characterized by or causing the least harmful level of injury

a first-degree laceration

see also first-degree burn compare second-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

first degree

noun

: the grade given to the most serious forms of crimes

burglary in the first degree

first-degree adjective