first-rate

1 of 3

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrāt 

: of the first order of size, importance, or quality

a first-rate chef/book/education

Service there is always first-rate.

first-rateness noun

first-rater

ˈfərs(t)-ˈrā-tər 

noun

first-rate

2 of 3

adverb

: very well

… is getting along first-rate …

—Mark Twain

first-rater

3 of 3

noun

first-rat·​er

-ātə-

: one that is first-rate

in all reports a first-rater

—Charles Dickens

Synonyms of first-rate

Adjective

• excellent
• superb
• terrific
• wonderful
• great
• lovely
• fantastic
• awesome
• fabulous
• stellar
• beautiful
• prime
• marvelous
• fine

Examples of first-rate in a Sentence

Adjective

wanted a first-rate bike and not the cheap model she had been using

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Dubbed the Isle of Eight Flags, Amelia Island’s beautiful beaches, winding waterways, and dense maritime forests are first-rate examples of why this land has always been so desirable. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 June 2026

Kudos to the fans in Seattle for making a first-rate environment, and to the USMNT for a performance that was worthy of it. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Adverb

The performances are first-rate across the board, with Bell and Jarvis outstanding as the lead conspirators. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Throw in Paisley’s flamboyant showmanship and first-rate band, and this proved a relentlessly entertaining country show for the fortunate 7,113 in attendance. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1760, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for first-rate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

first-rate

adjective

ˈfərst-ˈrāt

: of the first order of size, importance, or quality

first-rate adverb