: 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
Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
But for me, this was my first film shot entirely in a studio.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024
Escher Walcott, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
Everyone knows that the key to a livable, functioning home is to first keep it clutter-free.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
Giana Levy, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
In an astonishing bit of space gymnastics, SpaceX has pulled off a true first.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for first 
Adjective
And for all of Auchincloss efforts in his first year in office, BP's share price was down 14% year to date at the close of trading in London on Friday, as the company attempts to reconcile investors' expectations against the rigors of the energy transition era.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024
But for me, this was my first film shot entirely in a studio.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024
Adverb
Gomez and Blanco first went public with her romance in December 2023, and both have shared posts featuring each other on their social media since.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
Everyone knows that the key to a livable, functioning home is to first keep it clutter-free.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
Noun
According to the Denver Speakers Bureau, the businessman made a historic first in 2008 by producing the first all-Black cast of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on Broadway.
—Giana Levy, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
In an astonishing bit of space gymnastics, SpaceX has pulled off a true first.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 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 3 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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