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.
The legislation does not foresee an increase in the size of France's armed forces, which remains at 210,000 active-duty personnel, 225 combat aircraft and 15 first-rate frigates.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Made from the Gamay grape in a sunny region south of Burgundy’s famed Côte d’Or, Beaujolais has all the characteristics of a first-rate Thanksgiving wine.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025
Law schools still include some first-rate scholars, so reform there may require no more than ensuring that a school’s future is in their hands.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025
A powerful eminent-domain law allowed the Singaporean government to amass vast property holdings, which it used to build first-rate, owner-occupied public housing.
From Slate • Nov. 4, 2025
“Well, I don't know about the boyfriend. She had a brother. He was a first-rate nutcase, actually. He was into spelling bees. Went to Nationals, I think.”
From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green
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.
