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

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
There are Israeli Jews (including West Bank settlers), who enjoy exclusive first-class citizenship in the Israeli state, as most recently enshrined in Israel’s 2018 nation-state law. Ziad Asali, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2024 These unique flights are opportunities to fly in opulent first-class suites synonymous with Emirates. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2024 After converting his cryptocurrency proceeds into dollars, Parks used the funds to make extravagant purchases, including a Mercedes Benz luxury car, jewelry, first-class hotel and travel expenses, according to the indictment. USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024 The facility includes a first-class training room as well as locker rooms for all university teams. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2024 The financial struggles have coincided with sharp price increases on mail products — in July, first-class letter rates will have increased by 46 percent since 2018 — and dwindling on-time delivery performance. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024 Americans who are frustrated with the ever rising cost of postage may be surprised to learn that mailing a first-class letter costs significantly less in the U.S. than in other parts of the world. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2024 Players have round-the-clock access to first-class training facilities with their schools. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2024 The most recent round of increases came in January when the cost of first-class stamps rose by 2 cents from 66 cents to 68 cents. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 13 Apr. 2024
Noun
In 2004, he was named dean of the new University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, helping to welcome its first class of students in 2005. Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 20 Apr. 2024 The college, open to all students, begins its first classes in the fall. Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024 Each — Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s first class — has a real shot at landing on an All-Rookie team. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024 Stamp prices last increased in January of this year, the third hike in 12 months that pushed up first class stamps to the current 68 cents. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024 The airline is also trying to build better customer experiences, including launching new business class and first class offerings on its Boeing 777s in 2024 and 2025. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 28 Mar. 2024 The service was operated on two Airbus A318 aircraft that BA purchased specially for the route, and each was fitted out entirely with first class seats. Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Almost half of those will be reserved for first class passengers. Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 The first class is in public speaking (Feb. 12–March 24) followed by a class in nutrition (March 25–April 28), and, finally, an introduction to cultural anthropology (April 29–June 9). Nicole Gregory, Orange County Register, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first-class.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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-chop

first-class

first class

Cite this Entry

“First-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-class. Accessed 24 Apr. 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

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