: 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
Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024
In the first three games of the current series, Edmonton’s best five offensive players did not score a goal.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 18 June 2024
Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024
The band first went on a hiatus in 2002, the same year Timberlake released his first solo album.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN, 19 June 2024
Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 14 June 2024
This also marks an exciting series of firsts for us: Atomic Monster and Blumhouse’s first time working with Lee and our first joint project for Warner Bros.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for first 
Adjective
Advertisement Cleveland’s Vic Wertz, a lefty, came to bat with runners on first and second in the eighth inning of a 2-2 tie, facing another lefty, Don Liddle, just in from the bullpen.
—Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024
In the first three games of the current series, Edmonton’s best five offensive players did not score a goal.
—Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 18 June 2024
Adverb
Peters and Engel were first linked when they were spotted cozying up and dancing during Lana Del Rey's headlining set at Coachella in April.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 19 June 2024
The band first went on a hiatus in 2002, the same year Timberlake released his first solo album.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN, 19 June 2024
Noun
Wisconsinite Grace Girard has had a lot of firsts this year.
—Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 14 June 2024
This also marks an exciting series of firsts for us: Atomic Monster and Blumhouse’s first time working with Lee and our first joint project for Warner Bros.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for first
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first. Accessed 27 Jun. 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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