world-class
Americanadjective
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ranking among the world's best; outstanding.
a world-class orchestra.
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attracting or comprising world-class players, performers, etc..
a world-class tennis tournament.
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Informal. being a notorious example of its kind.
a world-class slob.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of world-class
First recorded in 1945–50
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.
He didn’t know I was a world-class legendary comedian.
From Slate • Jul. 12, 2026
By contrast, Kane has been ably supported by Jude Bellingham, a fellow world-class operator who has scored four goals at this tournament, including vital strikes against Panama and Mexico.
From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026
The European Union seeks to be a single market with world-class companies, but it hasn’t worked out that way in banking.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026
Gauff’s world-class speed, elite counterpunching and relentless competitiveness always made it likely she would solve grass eventually.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026
Now audiences, even in rural areas, are no longer as satisfied with local entertainers and demand world-class talent.
From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos
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.
