first base

noun

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of first base

1 : the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball

2 : the player position for defending the area around first base

3 : the first step or stage in a course of action

plans never got to first base

—

first baseman

play \-ˈbā-smən\ noun

See first base defined for English-language learners

See first base defined for kids

Examples of first base in a Sentence

a runner on first base
She hit a ground ball to first base.
He used to be a catcher, but now he plays first base.

Recent Examples of first base from the Web

Bryant said of his failed attempt to retire Hernan Perez at first base.

— mark gonzales, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs' Kris Bryant shoulders blame for throwing error in 5-4 loss," 7 Apr. 2018
Danny Wright is sitting in the upper deck behind first base in shorts and a Mariners hat with built-in earmuffs.

— matthew vantryon, Indianapolis Star, "It was cold and snowing for the Indians' opener. These fans still made it to Victory Field," 6 Apr. 2018
Colgate, a Mercer commit who will play catcher at the next level, threw out three runners at home plate, two at first base, and another at second from right field last week at the Bartow tournament.

— j.c. carnahan, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Parkland Stoneman Douglas joins area softball teams in Kissimmee Klassic," 4 Apr. 2018
Mills should also see strong contributions again from seniors Sam Buchanan and Ricky Cizeski, as well as junior Josh Schibi, who takes over at first base.

— sean begin, courant.com, "High School Baseball: Lewis Mills Starting Fresh Despite 2017 Success," 1 Apr. 2018
But neither Bundy nor second baseman Jonathan Schoop gave up on the play, as Schoop backed up Davis, scooping the ball on the outfield grass and throwing to Bundy covering first base in time to get Rosario.

— eduardo a. encina, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles right-hander Dylan Bundy pitches seven dominant innings on Opening Day," 30 Mar. 2018
Ohtani dug out a low 0-and-2 changeup from Pedro Baez that shattered his bat and resulted in a soft line-drive out to first base in the sixth.

— mike digiovanna, latimes.com, "Shohei Ohtani taps into batting ability," 27 Mar. 2018
The Brewers aren't counting on Ryan Braun to be an everyday outfielder, with plans to start him at first base in Thursday’s season-opener against the San Diego Padres.

— bob nightengale, USA TODAY, "For Brewers, player surplus means start of season will 'suck for a couple of guys'," 26 Mar. 2018
His throw was on the third base side of the bag, delaying the throw from shortstop Manny Machado to first base.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Late-spring game shows full spectrum of what catching prospect Chance Sisco can bring Orioles," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'first base.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of first base

1848

FIRST BASE Defined for English Language Learners

first base

noun

Definition of first base for English Language Learners

baseball : the base that must be touched first by a base runner; also : the position of the player who defends the area around first base

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first base

Definition of first base

first baseman

Examples of first base in a Sentence

Recent Examples of first base from the Web

First Known Use of first base

FIRST BASE Defined for English Language Learners

first base

Definition of first base for English Language Learners

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first base

Definition of first base

first baseman

Examples of first base in a Sentence

Recent Examples of first base from the Web

First Known Use of first base

FIRST BASE Defined for English Language Learners

first base

Definition of first base for English Language Learners

Seen and Heard

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