First

/fɜrst/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The position that comes before all others in a sequence or ranking.

He won the first in the competition.

The first occasion, instance, or example of something.

This is the first that I've heard of that policy.

adjective

Coming before all others in time or order; initial.

She was the first person to arrive at the meeting.

Most important or significant.

His first priority is to finish the project on time.

The top position in a ranking or competitive context.

The athlete finished in first place in the race.

adverb

In a ranking or sequence, before all others.

She was the first in her class to graduate.

Before anything else; at the beginning.

First, we need to gather all the necessary materials.

Old English 'fyrst', of Germanic origin.

first come, first served

A principle of allocating resources where the earliest arrivals receive priority.

first things first

An expression used to indicate the prioritization of tasks.

first and foremost

Emphasizing the most important point.

make a first impression

The initial impact one makes on others.

foremost

Most prominent in rank, importance, or position.

initial

Existing or occurring at the beginning.

premier

The first in importance; leading.

First dibs

I called first dibs on the last slice of pizza.

First prize

She is aiming for first prize in the art contest.