: preceding all others in time, order, or importance
the first arrivals
my first try
first prize
Take your first left.
: such as
a
: earliest
will fix these errors at the first opportunity
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
see also:
1
a
: before another in time, space, or importance
paid them first
finished first in the race
I love my job, but my family comes first.
b
: as the first thing to be mentioned
—often used with of all or off
First of all, thank you for coming.
c
: for the first time
loved her when I first saw her
2
: in preference to something else
Surrender? We'll die first.
see also:
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
The transplant was a medical first.
b
: the position of the winner in a competition
took first in the contest
c
: the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle
d
: the highest or chief voice or instrument of a group
e
: an article of commerce of the finest grade
3
see also:
Cite this Entry
“First.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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