first

¹first

adj \ˈfərst\

Definition of FIRST

: preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as a : earliest b : being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments <first tenor> <first violins>

Examples of FIRST

1. We sat in the first row.
2. She succeeded on her first attempt.
3. I still remember the first time I saw her.

Origin of FIRST

Middle English, from Old English fyrst; akin to Old High German furist first, Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FIRST

Synonyms: earliest, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin

Antonyms: final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate

Related Words: ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial; antecedent, preceding, previous

Near Antonyms: advanced, late; consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding; penultimate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Number-Related Terms

jubilee, myriad, quarantine, score, twain

Rhymes with FIRST

burst, cursed, erst, Hearst, thirst, verst, worst