Entry Word: first

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 coming before all others in time or order <the much-studied first—and last—voyage of the Titanic>

Synonyms earliest, inaugural, initial, maiden, original, pioneer, premier

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

Near Antonyms advanced, late; ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding

Antonyms final, last, terminal, ultimate

2 coming before all others in importance <there are a number of reasons you can't go, but the first is that we don't have the money> — see foremost 1
3 highest in rank or authority <auditioned and got first clarinet in the band> — see head