1
: of or relating to first class
2
: of the highest quality
a first-class meal
first-class
adverb
: 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
Synonyms
Adjective
- A-OK
- A1
- awesome
- bang-up
- banner
- beautiful
- blue-chip
- blue-ribbon
- boffo
- bonny [chiefly British]
- bonnie
- boss [slang]
- brag
- brave
- bully
- bumper
- capital
- choice
- classic
- cool [slang]
- corking
- crackerjack
- cracking
- dandy
- divine
- dope [slang]
- down [slang]
- dynamite
- excellent
- fab
- fabulous
- famous
- fantabulous [slang]
- fantastic
- fine
- first-rate
- first-string
- five-star
- four-star
- frontline
- gangbusters
- gangbuster
- gilt-edged
- gilt-edge
- gone [slang]
- grand
- great
- groovy
- heavenly
- high-class
- hot
- hype [slang]
- immense
- jim-dandy
- keen
- lovely
- marvelous
- marvellous
- mean
- neat
- nifty
- noble
- number one
- No. 1
- numero uno
- out-of-sight [slang]
- par excellence
- peachy
- peachy keen
- phat [slang]
- prime
- primo [slang]
- prize
- prizewinning
- quality
- radical [slang]
- righteous [slang]
- sensational
- slick
- splendid
- stellar
- sterling
- superb
- superior
- superlative
- supernal
- swell
- terrific
- tip-top
- top
- top-notch
- top-of-the-line
- top-shelf
- topflight
- topping [chiefly British]
- unsurpassed
- wizard [chiefly British]
- wonderful
Examples of first-class in a Sentence
Adjective
a first-class production of a classic American musical
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Davis exited what had been a first-class introduction to the Mavs faithful late in the third quarter.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
In the meantime, TikTok educators are gearing up to host their first classes this week.
—Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for first-class 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
These pieces offer a glimpse into the luxurious experience of first-class passengers.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Davis exited what had been a first-class introduction to the Mavs faithful late in the third quarter.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
The first class of high school interns was recruited from a list of youth attendees at Harvard University’s 2024 Annual Global Health and Leadership Conference.
—Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
In the meantime, TikTok educators are gearing up to host their first classes this week.
—Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for first-class
Dictionary Entries Near first-class
Cite this Entry
“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-class. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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