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
Enraged, Garcia stole Lambert’s credit card and upgraded his airline ticket to first-class, Hightower said. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 The company has begun notifying those whose personal information may have been compromised via first-class mail. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
There's a catch, however: the meals are only available to customers sitting in first class and on routes longer than 900 miles. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2024 Stagnation, of course, isn’t just rough on those in first class; turbulence is always worse at the back of the plane. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near first-class

first class

first-class

first classman

Cite this Entry

“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-class. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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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