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.
However, the “Festival Suite,” although first-rate Ellington, would never be regarded as a masterpiece.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
“You have to be first-rate in your storytelling.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
In this true ensemble production, sharply directed by Anne Kauffman, Squibb was supported by a first-rate cast that included a heartbreaking turn by Cynthia Nixon.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2026
It’s a first-rate scene and Maria’s no slouch with a blunderbuss, which isn’t something you see every day.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 28, 2026
It was a first-rate book with lots of pictures in it.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
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.
