first base

noun

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

-ˈbā-smən 

noun

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 on the Web

There's a big hole at first base with Alonso hitting the open market. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

The Mariners need to upgrade both first base and third base and could use Bohm, who has two more years of team control, at whatever position is better for them. —Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

The team has question marks at first base, second base, in both corner outfield spots and in the bullpen. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 18 Nov. 2024

The 2024 first base class will likely include St. Louis Cardinals Paul Goldschmidt, who at 37, is seven years older than Alonso. New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, 35, is also eligible for free agency. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

first base

noun

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

also : the position of the player defending the area around first base