first offender

noun

: one convicted of an offense for the first time

Examples of first offender in a Sentence

Because he was a first offender, he was put on probation rather than sentenced to jail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Miami Beach hits first offenders with $500 fines and charges up to $4,000 for hazardous materials. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

She was placed on 12 months of summary probation, paid multiple fines, and was required to take a three-month first offender DUI program. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 June 2026

For first offenders, the fine is typically halved. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

In addition to jail time, she was sentenced to three years of informal probation, three months in a first offender alcohol program and restitutions for damages, the outlet reported. — Diane J. Cho, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for first offender

• recommender
• bartender
• contender
• defender
• engender
• extender
• pretender
• provender
• surrender
• suspender
• transgender
• bender

Legal Definition

first offender

noun

: one convicted of an offense for the first time