first class

¹ American  

noun

1. the best, finest, or highest class, grade, or rank.

2. the most expensive and most luxurious class of accommodation on trains, ships, airplanes, etc.

3. (in the U.S. Postal Service) the class of mail consisting of letters, postal cards, or the like, together with all mailable matter sealed against inspection.

4. British University. the group receiving the highest distinction in an honors course.

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first-class ² American  

[furst-klas, -klahs] / ˈfɜrstˈklæs, -ˈklɑs /

adjective

1. of the highest or best class or quality.

   a first-class movie.

2. best-equipped and most expensive.

   a first-class railroad car.

3. given or entitled to preferred treatment, handling, etc..

   first-class mail.

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adverb

1. by first-class conveyance.

   to travel first-class.

first class British  

noun

1. the class or grade of the best or highest value, quality, etc

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adjective

1. of the best or highest class or grade

   a first-class citizen

2. excellent; first-rate

3. of or denoting the most comfortable and expensive class of accommodation in a hotel, aircraft, train, etc

4. 1. (in Britain) of or relating to mail that is processed most quickly

   2. (in the US and Canada) of or relating to mail that consists mainly of written letters, cards, etc

5. education See first

adverb

1. by first-class mail, means of transportation, etc

Etymology

Origin of first class¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Origin of first-class²

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, Delta pledged to add more seats in first class and Delta One Suites, its business-class cabin on international flights with lie-flat seats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Since we first published allegations from postal workers saying they were consistently asked to prioritise parcels, signs have popped up in many delivery offices reminding staff first class mail must be delivered.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The men in the red, white and blue uniforms are first class.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

There is another picture with a tray of mail placed at the front, which he explains was first class mail which is to supposedly to be delivered first.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

She'd been in the first class to admit women, and the codes had stuck with her.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely