first-rate
Americanadjective
-
excellent; superb.
-
of the highest rank, rate, or class.
adverb
adjective
-
of the best or highest rated class or quality
-
informal very good; excellent
adverb
Etymology
Origin of first-rate
First recorded in 1660–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sir: First rate minds are, by their nature, explorative, adventurous, dynamic .
From Time Magazine Archive
"First rate," clicked Benson, and Kamanako looked decidedly uneasy.
From The Submarine Boys and the Spies Dodging the Sharks of the Deep by Durham, Victor G.
"First rate, father," replied the young man, as his bronzed face lighted up with enthusiasm.
From The Coming Wave The Hidden Treasure of High Rock by Optic, Oliver
"First rate; and I hope your father will go to work on mine at once," replied the passenger.
From The Yacht Club or The Young Boat-Builder by Optic, Oliver
"First rate, if a bit dry," Jack replied.
From Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast or Through Storm and Stress to Florida by Arundel, Louis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
