first-class

1 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to first class
2
: of the highest quality
a first-class meal
first-class adverb

first class

2 of 2

noun

: the first or highest group in a classification: such as
a
: the highest of usually three classes of travel accommodations
b
: a class of mail that comprises letters, postcards, or matter sealed against inspection

Examples of first-class in a Sentence

Adjective a first-class production of a classic American musical
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.
Adjective
While the agency sets rates, the Government Accountability Office reported in 2018 that payments should not exceed the cost of first-class airfare—and found that Trump’s 2016 campaign submitted incomplete and duplicate invoices, which the agency paid without dispute. Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Most airport lounges are exclusionary, offering access only to certain credit card holders, people who spend a great deal of money on flights, and those who can afford first-class and business-tier tickets. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
Noun
Saturdays, Oviedo Gym & Aquatics Facility, 148 Oviedo Blvd., Oviedo, first class free, then $5 per class, 407-971-5565. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025 Before my first class, my experience with improv consisted of a few games played in high school several decades ago. Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-class

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-class was in 1616

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-class. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

first-class

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of or relating to first class
2
: of the highest quality : excellent
a first-class meal

first class

2 of 2 noun
: the best or highest group in a classification

More from Merriam-Webster on first-class

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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