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.
So now, Ibrahimovic is about to spend the summer practicing the one other skill where he can match his world-class talent with his feet.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
A return of 76 wickets from 20 Tests at an average below 23 with a strike-rate better than 50 is world-class.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
"We're excited about the opportunity to create a world-class destination and make one of the largest private investments in the region's history," the statement said.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
After Havertz's early opener, the Gunners defended deep to protect the lead with their world-class backline keeping them in the game.
From BBC • May 31, 2026
The university had a reputation for spawning world-class scientists exploring how to optimize use of technology in airplanes and in the military, in the tradition of Broadbent and Dr. Treisman.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
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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.