first class

¹

noun

1. the best, finest, or highest class, grade, or rank.

2. the most expensive and most luxurious class of accommodation on trains, ships, airplanes, etc.

3. (in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of letters, postal cards, or the like, together with all mailable matter sealed against inspection.

4. British University.,  the group receiving the highest distinction in an honors course.

first-class

²

[furst-klas, -klahs]

adjective

1. of the highest or best class or quality.

   a first-class movie.

2. best-equipped and most expensive.

   a first-class railroad car.

3. given or entitled to preferred treatment, handling, etc..

   first-class mail.

adverb

1. by first-class conveyance.

   to travel first-class.

first class

noun

1. the class or grade of the best or highest value, quality, etc

adjective

1. of the best or highest class or grade

   a first-class citizen

2. excellent; first-rate

3. of or denoting the most comfortable and expensive class of accommodation in a hotel, aircraft, train, etc

4. 1. (in Britain) of or relating to mail that is processed most quickly

   2. (in the US and Canada) of or relating to mail that consists mainly of written letters, cards, etc

5. education See first

adverb

1. by first-class mail, means of transportation, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of first class¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Origin of first class²

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

A union has criticised Coventry University bosses for spending thousands of pounds on first class flights whilst staff are being made redundant.

From BBC

Train driver Mark Walsh said he thought a colleague was "winding him up" when they told him a crab was sitting in first class.

From BBC

Boyd flew back to Dubai first class, where he is believed to remain.

From BBC

“Couldn’t have been more amazing. A class act all the way. Just first class.”

From Los Angeles Times

“My wife and I go to our first class on child development together,” Rebecca No. 1 tells us.

From Los Angeles Times