: preceding all others in time, order, or importance: such as
a
: earliest
She won first prize.
his first girlfriend
b
: being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
couldn't get the car out of first gear
c
: having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments
first violins
1
a
: before another in time, space, or importance
b
: in the first place
—often used with of all
c
: for the first time
2
: in preference to something else : sooner entry 2
1
: one that is number one in a series see Table of Numbers
2
: something that is first: such as
a
: the first occurrence or item of a kind
b
: the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
c
: the highest or chief voice or instrument of a group
d
: an article of commerce of the finest grade
e
: the winning or highest place in a competition, examination, or contest
3
Examples of first in a Sentence
Adjective
We sat in the first row.
She succeeded on her first attempt.
I still remember the first time I saw her.
Adverb
I have to pay him first.
These problems are not as simple as they first appear.
I loved her when I first saw her.
This word was first recorded in the 19th century.
We'll get started soon, but first we have to make sure everyone is here.
Noun
Her solo flight across the Atlantic was a remarkable first.
They were responsible for several engineering firsts.
I couldn't get the car out of first.
take a first in English
Recent Examples on the Web
Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The actor got choked up, nearly crying, within the first two minutes of a cast panel on Sunday night following the episode.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Gators forward Alex Condon was the first to dive on the loose ball and the final horn sounded before either team could gain control, cementing Florida’s third-ever national championship, and first since 2007.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025
The documentary looks at a number of firsts for the band, from their first meeting to their first albums and their first tour.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Soto only has one homer and three RBIS through his first 32 at-bats but just last season, his plate appearances represent must see events.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The actor got choked up, nearly crying, within the first two minutes of a cast panel on Sunday night following the episode.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Adverb
The country, which first warmly welcomed Americans, has turned cold toward them, as some Canadians take to the streets to protest against them.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Gators forward Alex Condon was the first to dive on the loose ball and the final horn sounded before either team could gain control, cementing Florida’s third-ever national championship, and first since 2007.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
My first of several follow-up appointments was that Friday.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025
The documentary looks at a number of firsts for the band, from their first meeting to their first albums and their first tour.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
first
2 of 3 adverb1
a
: before any other in time, space, or importance
b
: for the first time
2
: rather than something else
surrender? We will die first
first
3 of 3 noun1
: one that is number one in a series see number
2
a
: the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
b
: the winning place in a competition or contest
3
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