first degree

1 of 2

noun

US : the level of a crime that is the most serious and warranting the most severe punishment

first-degree

2 of 2

adjective

first-de·​gree ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē 

1

US : of the most serious type : warranting the harshest punishment

first-degree murder/theft/arson

2

: of the least harmful or mildest type

first-degree frostbite

see also first-degree burn

Examples of first degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In 2014, he was released from prison after doing almost five years on drug charges and famously beat a first degree murder rap while incarcerated. —Angel Diaz, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2024

Former Deputy, Sean P. Grayson has been charged with three counts of first degree murder in connection with Massey's death. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024

Adjective

The affidavit, obtained by CBS News, charges Couch with five counts each of criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree assault. —CBS News, 10 Sep. 2024

The affidavit obtained by the Associated Press charges Couch with five counts each of criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree assault. —Bruce Schreiner and Dylan Lovan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

first-degree

adjective

ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē 

: of the lowest or mildest in a series of categories : characterized by or causing the least harmful level of injury

a first-degree laceration

see also first-degree burn compare second-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

first degree

noun

: the grade given to the most serious forms of crimes

burglary in the first degree

first-degree adjective