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• first class
  first class

  noun

  the best, finest, or highest class, grade, or rank.
• first-class
  first-class

  adjective

  of the highest or best class or quality.

first class

¹ American  

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.

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first-class ² American  

[furst-klas, -klahs] / ˈfɜrstˈklæs, -ˈklɑs /

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.

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adverb

1. by first-class conveyance.

   to travel first-class.

first class British  

noun

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of first class¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Origin of first-class²

First recorded in 1780–90

Explanation

If something is first-class, it's the very best. First-class seats on an airplane are the roomiest and most comfortable—and the most expensive. This adjective is perfect for describing the highest-quality version of something, from first-class stamps that get your letter to its destination faster to a first-class detective who relentlessly follows every single clue until the mystery is solved. First-class orchestras are highly accomplished, and a first-class moving company is unlikely to break your dishes while transporting them to your new house.

Example Sentences

What’s Next: Starting May 19, Delta will stop serving beverages and snacks on flights shorter than 350 miles, except for passengers in first class.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Passengers flying first class, however, will still be able to enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, regardless of flight distance.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

“He’s a stud. He’s always first class in every sense of the word.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Royal Mail is currently delivering three quarters of first class letters on time against a target of 93%.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

My first class, the room is freezing, like how I imagine the North Pole in the dead of winter, Santa’s elves hiding for cover.

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle