A one

[ ey wuhn ]

adjective

1. noting a vessel regarded by a shipping-classification society as being equipped to the highest standard and with equipment maintained in first-class condition.
2. Also A number one. Informal. first-class; excellent; superior:

   The meals there are A one.

Word History and Origins

Origin of A one¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

Also, A-1; A-number-one . First-class, of the best quality, as in This is an A-one steak . The term comes from Lloyd's, the British insurance company, which in its 1775 shipping register designated the condition of a ship's hull by a letter grade (A, B, etc.) and of its cables, anchor, and other equipment by a number grade (1, 2, etc.). By the early 1800s A-1, the best possible grade, was being transferred to anything of superior quality.

Example Sentences

Three years after the family first arrived in the camp, they were finally sent to the UK this week in what the government described as a "one off" case in the interests of their welfare.

From BBC

However, since the technique involves moving spheroids one at a time, it could take days to build a one cubic centimeter structure.

From Science Daily

"On the other hand, someone who suffers from frequent urination at times may benefit from drinking less. There isn't a one size fits all approach for water consumption."

From Science Daily

Six days later, the Los Angeles Police Department was called to another death of a newborn on Skid Row, a one and a half miles away from the first.

From Los Angeles Times

Barkley is right up there with quarterbacks Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes as a one of the leading MVP candidates.

From Los Angeles Times