first-class

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   of the highest quality; excellent

   The duke wanted to turn the performance into a first-class show.

2. 2
   adj

   belonging to the most comfortable or expensive class of travel or service

   They reserved a first-class compartment for the overnight journey.

3. 3
   adv

   by the highest or most comfortable class of travel

   The prize allowed the family to travel first-class for once.

From first class, originally the highest of several ranked divisions. The attributive hyphenated form broadened from rank and travel categories to the general sense 'excellent' or 'of the best quality.'

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