: 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.
After the never-ending gourmet eats and world-class whisky, a spa treatment allowed for a moment to collect oneself. Jake Emen, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025 In sports, for instance, world-class athletes peak later than national-class athletes. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025 Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025 Though tiny, the cottage is a world-class museum, lovingly restored. Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025 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 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

world-class

adjective
: being of the highest degree of excellence in the world
a world-class athlete
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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