first

³first

noun

Definition of FIRST

1

— see number table

2

: something that is first: 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

: first base

— at first

: at the beginning : initially

Examples of FIRST

1. Her solo flight across the Atlantic was a remarkable first.
2. They were responsible for several engineering firsts.
3. I couldn't get the car out of first.
4. take a first in English

First Known Use of FIRST

13th century

Other Number-Related Terms

jubilee, myriad, quarantine, score, twain