first class

first class: first-class ˌfirst-ˈclass also first class adjective

1. if something is first-class, it is of very good quality and much better than other things of the same type:

• We provide a first-class, professional service for our customers.

2. using first-class mail:

• a first-class stamp

3. TRAVEL first class seats, accommodation etc are the most comfortable and expensive available:

• first-class airline tickets

• The airline claims its 9,000 daily first-class seats are 65% full.

— first class adverb :

• If you send the letter first class, it should arrive tomorrow.

• Company policy says we cannot fly first class, but we can fly business class on trips over a thousand miles.

* * *

Ⅰ.

first class UK US adjective

► of excellent quality: »The work that she did on the project was first class.
»He really is pre-eminent in the field and has built up a first-class business.

► TRANSPORT relating to the highest level of service offered on a plane, train, etc.: »a first-class cabin/fare/seat, etc.

► in the UK, relating to the fastest service for sending mail: »It is welcome news that first-class delivery has improved.
»The cost of a first-class stamp is going up.

► in the US, relating to the service used for sending letters, cards, and small packages: »He predicts first-class volume will decline by 20 percent by the year 2017 as fewer people sit down to write a letter.
»Experts expect that the U.S. Postal Service soon will request a price increase for first-class letters.

► used to describe the best possible degree you can get from a university in the UK: »A report showed that a first-class degree is worth, on average, 12% more in likely future earnings.

→ Compare BUSINESS CLASS(Cf. ↑business class) noun, ECONOMY CLASS(Cf. ↑economy class), SECOND-CLASS(Cf. ↑second-class) adjective

Ⅱ.

first class UK US adverb

► TRANSPORT using the highest level of service offered: fly/travel first class »I fly business class; I don't fly first class.

► using the fastest service for sending mail: »The minimum requirement is that certificates must be sent first class to the shareholder's registered address.

Ⅲ.

first class UK US noun [U]

► the best seats, service, etc. on a plane, train, etc.: »I didn't see him on the flight because he was in first class.

► in the UK, the fastest service for sending mail: »Always use first class for sending these documents.

► in the US, the service for sending letters, cards and small packages

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First-class — a. Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the first division; of the best quality; first rate; as, a first class telescope. [1913 Webster] {First class car} or {First class railway carriage}, any passenger car of the highest regular class, a … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
first-class(1) — {adj.} 1. Of the highest class or best kind; excellent; first rate. * /Jane did a first class job of repairing the coat./ * /It was a first class TV program./ Compare: TOP NOTCH. 2. Of the best or most expensive class of travelling. * /Mr. Jones… … Dictionary of American idioms
first-class(1) — {adj.} 1. Of the highest class or best kind; excellent; first rate. * /Jane did a first class job of repairing the coat./ * /It was a first class TV program./ Compare: TOP NOTCH. 2. Of the best or most expensive class of travelling. * /Mr. Jones… … Dictionary of American idioms
first class — {n.} 1. The first rank; the highest class; the best group. * /The pianist was quite good but he was not in the first class./ 2. The most expensive or comfortable class of travel; the best or one of the best groups in which to travel, especially… … Dictionary of American idioms
first class — {n.} 1. The first rank; the highest class; the best group. * /The pianist was quite good but he was not in the first class./ 2. The most expensive or comfortable class of travel; the best or one of the best groups in which to travel, especially… … Dictionary of American idioms
first-class — adjective Date: circa 1838 1. of or relating to first class 2. of the highest quality < a first class meal > • first class adverb … New Collegiate Dictionary
first-class(2) — {adv.} With the best material; in the best or most expensive way. * /When Mr. Van Smith goes anywhere he always travels first class./ * / How did you send the package? First class. / … Dictionary of American idioms
first-class(2) — {adv.} With the best material; in the best or most expensive way. * /When Mr. Van Smith goes anywhere he always travels first class./ * / How did you send the package? First class. / … Dictionary of American idioms
First-class cricket — refers to the class of cricket matches of three or more days scheduled duration, between two sides of eleven players and officially adjudged first class by virtue of the standard of the competing teams. Matches must allow for the teams to play… … Wikipedia
First class travel — First class is the most luxurious class of accommodation on a train, passenger ship, airplane, or other conveyance. [first class. (n.d.). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from… … Wikipedia
First-class car — First class First class , a. Of the best class; of the highest rank; in the first division; of the best quality; first rate; as, a first class telescope. [1913 Webster] {First class car} or {First class railway carriage}, any passenger car of the … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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