first degree

1 of 2

noun

US : the level of a crime that is the most serious and warranting the most severe punishment

first-degree

2 of 2

adjective

first-de·​gree ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē How to pronounce first-degree (audio)
1
US : of the most serious type : warranting the harshest punishment
first-degree murder/theft/arson
2
: of the least harmful or mildest type
first-degree frostbite
see also first-degree burn

Examples of first degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Aaron Farinacci, a Spokane resident who has a prior manslaughter conviction, was booked on suspicion of first degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire and was being held on $1 million bond, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office said. — Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Leroy Allen Loper, 54, has been charged with felony murder, first degree kidnapping, and concealment of a death by trying to destroy human remains, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Adjective
Police arrested and charged a woman with first-degree murder Friday in the July killing of 33-year-old Corey Barnard in Charlotte. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026 Legend Storer, 20, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree burglary and indecent exposure, according to online court records. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first degree

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1682, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first degree was in 1682

Rhymes for first degree

See All Rhymes for first degree

Browse Nearby Words

first defense
first degree
first-degree
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20degree. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

first-degree

adjective
ˈfərst-di-ˈgrē How to pronounce first-degree (audio)
: of the lowest or mildest in a series of categories : characterized by or causing the least harmful level of injury
a first-degree laceration
see also first-degree burn compare second-degree, third-degree

Legal Definition

first degree

noun
: the grade given to the most serious forms of crimes
burglary in the first degree
first-degree adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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