A one

American  

[ey wuhn] / ˈeɪ ˈwʌn /

Also A-one,

adjective

1. noting a vessel regarded by a shipping-classification society as being equipped to the highest standard and with equipment maintained in first-class condition.

2. Informal. Also A number one. first-class; excellent; superior.

   The meals there are A one.

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A-one Idioms  

1. Also, A-1; A-number-one. First-class, of the best quality, as in This is an A-one steak. The term comes from Lloyd's, the British insurance company, which in its 1775 shipping register designated the condition of a ship's hull by a letter grade (A, B, etc.) and of its cables, anchor, and other equipment by a number grade (1, 2, etc.). By the early 1800s A-1, the best possible grade, was being transferred to anything of superior quality.

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Etymology

Origin of A one

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

A one stage, this was a source of significant dispute between the UK and EU even though the ban was never implemented due to grace periods.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2023

A "one size fits all" approach won't do.

From Salon • Jul. 27, 2023

A decade later the Mexican League joined the National Assn. of Professional Baseball Leagues — the minor leagues — and in 1967 it was classified as triple A, one rung below the majors.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2023

A one of a kind mural can elevate your space to another level of sophistication, Ament says.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2023

The hull sat on Panel A, one of four sides of the tetrahedron which brought Pathfinder to Mars.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir