Used informally to mean ‘excellently’.
Definitionen
Excellently; in an outstanding manner. The orchestra played first-rate throughout the evening.
Historical naval term; countable.
Definitionen
A warship of the largest class in the former rating system of the British navy, typically carrying 100 guns or more. HMS Victory was a first-rate with more than 100 guns.
Synonyme
top dog
cream of the crop
top performer