: 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
Synonyms
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
Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
As China’s first nuclear test in 1964 prompted India to test a weapon in 1974, which in turn drove Pakistan to accelerate its nuclear program and test a weapon in 1998, in the long run, Israel’s escalating military campaign may constitute Iran’s final incentive to cross the nuclear threshold.
—Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
The tax, which first appeared and was passed by 60% of voters in 2020, supports funding for 911 emergency response services, police and fire services as well as for repairing streets and maintaining neighborhood parks and public infrastructure until 2029.
—Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Coldplay have notched a lot of firsts on their current Music of the Spheres world tour.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first 
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Adjective
The first third of the book is largely takes place in the faux-medieval village from Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.
—Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024
As China’s first nuclear test in 1964 prompted India to test a weapon in 1974, which in turn drove Pakistan to accelerate its nuclear program and test a weapon in 1998, in the long run, Israel’s escalating military campaign may constitute Iran’s final incentive to cross the nuclear threshold.
—Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
Adverb
At first, the girls are only in danger of being forced to listen to one man’s extremely pretentious opinions about religion, philosophy, culture, and yes, pop music, which is terrifying in itself.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
The tax, which first appeared and was passed by 60% of voters in 2020, supports funding for 911 emergency response services, police and fire services as well as for repairing streets and maintaining neighborhood parks and public infrastructure until 2029.
—Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
Her record boasts a stunning array of firsts: the only African-American woman (and first north of Los Angeles) ever elected to the House of Representatives, the California State Senate and the California State Assembly.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Coldplay have notched a lot of firsts on their current Music of the Spheres world tour.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first
Articles Related to first
Dictionary Entries Near first
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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