1
: of superior grade or quality
high-grade bonds
2
a
: being near the upper or most favorable extreme of a specified range
b
: medically serious or life-threatening
a high-grade tumor

Examples of high-grade 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.
The rest of the rotation includes Luis Gil, who is set to make his season debut on Sunday in his return from a high-grade lat strain, and a pair of promising rookies in Will Warren and Cam Schlittler. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025 Now Schaffer is trying to sneak the same high-grade, unadulterated fun into a major motion picture, with a steely Neeson as its guise. David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025 The harness itself is made of heavy-duty fabric, with a high-grade limestone neoprene wrapping around the body. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 July 2025 The facility appeared to have held high-grade explosives intended for at least seven community Independence Day shows. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for high-grade

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of high-grade was in 1826

Cite this Entry

“High-grade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-grade. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

high-grade

adjective
ˈhī-ˈgrād
: of a better grade or quality

Medical Definition

high-grade

adjective
: being near the upper, most serious, or most life-threatening extreme of a specified range
high-grade gliomas
high-grade cervical dysplasia
compare low-grade

More from Merriam-Webster on high-grade

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!