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
Customers at the airline’s first-class lounge, The Pier, First at the Hong Kong International Airport will now be able to enjoy a truly spectacular dining experience. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 At the time, Thompson allegedly convinced the 14-year-old girl to use the facilities in the first-class section of the plane and escorted her there. Charna Flam, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
In the past, players flew to away games in cramped coach seats while coaches and staff flew first class. Adam Tamburin, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025 That data shows, among other things, first class mail that was delivered within two days 99% of the time as recently as 2013 now gets there that quickly less than 94% of the time. Chris Isidore, CNN, 26 Feb. 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 16 Mar. 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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