in the first degree

idiom

: of the most serious type : deserving the harshest punishment
She was accused of murder in the first degree.

Examples of in the first degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The boy has also been charged with nine counts of assault in the first degree and three counts of assault in the second degree. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 This was murder in the first degree. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Mangione was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury in April on 11 counts, including one count of murder in the first degree and other weapons and forgery charges. Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 They’ve have each been charged with 20 counts of stalking in the first degree and 20 counts of witness intimidation in a criminal case, according to a complaint obtained by the Idaho Statesman. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in the first degree

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the first degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20first%20degree. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!