: being of the highest caliber in the world
a world-class athlete

Examples of world-class 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 backstory You can’t just open a world-class hotel in Paris—and perhaps no one is more aware of that fact than Silvio Ursini, the executive vice president of Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, who described a more than decade-long process of finding and selecting the perfect site for the hotel. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 Proceeds will go toward Poway OnStage’s Professional Performance Series that brings world-class performances to the area and its Arts in Education Initiative, which impacts more than 100,000 kindergarten to 12th grade students throughout San Diego County. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 The site also has a private trail network and is near world-class skiing, hiking and year-round amenities, the Mirr Ranch Group said. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 3 June 2026 Yet, Hideki is dialed in with his irons and still has a world-class short-game, which are the two most important skills for Muirfield. Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for world-class

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of world-class was in 1939

Cite this Entry

“World-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world-class. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

world-class

adjective
: being of the highest degree of excellence in the world
a world-class athlete
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster