Meaning & Definition of word "First"

First

/fɜrst/

noun:

  • 1. The position that comes before all others in a sequence or ranking.
    • Example: He won the first in the competition.
  • 2. The first occasion, instance, or example of something.
    • Example: This is the first that I've heard of that policy.

adjective:

  • 1. Coming before all others in time or order; initial.
    • Example: She was the first person to arrive at the meeting.
  • 2. Most important or significant.
    • Example: His first priority is to finish the project on time.
  • 3. The top position in a ranking or competitive context.
    • Example: The athlete finished in first place in the race.

adverb:

  • 1. In a ranking or sequence, before all others.
    • Example: She was the first in her class to graduate.
  • 2. Before anything else; at the beginning.
    • Example: First, we need to gather all the necessary materials.

Etymology

Old English 'fyrst', of Germanic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

foremost:

Most prominent in rank, importance, or position.

initial:

Existing or occurring at the beginning.

premier:

The first in importance; leading.

Slang Meanings of first

Meaning: First dibs

Example Sentence: I called first dibs on the last slice of pizza.

Meaning: First prize

Example Sentence: She is aiming for first prize in the art contest.