first come, first served
idiom
variants
or first come, first serve
—used to say that the people who arrive earliest get served or treated before the people who arrive later
The campsites are first come, first served, so we'd better get there early.
The campsites are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis.
"Aren't there any cookies left?" "Sorry—first come, first served."
Examples of first come, first served in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, a few tables will be held back for walk-ins, and the bar seats will be first come, first served.
—
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
Free Groceries: 9 a.m., Ramona Food & Clothes Closet parking lot, 773 Main St. Open to 18 years or older, first come, first served, 20 to 25 pounds of fresh produce and staples per family.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Half the sites in the South Unit’s Cottonwood Campground are by reservation, and the other half are first come, first served.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
These pit areas are standing-room only, and spots within them are first come, first served — prompting fans to arrive early to secure a prime view.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first come, first served
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Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
Free Groceries: 9 a.m., Ramona Food & Clothes Closet parking lot, 773 Main St. Open to 18 years or older, first come, first served, 20 to 25 pounds of fresh produce and staples per family.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Half the sites in the South Unit’s Cottonwood Campground are by reservation, and the other half are first come, first served.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
These pit areas are standing-room only, and spots within them are first come, first served — prompting fans to arrive early to secure a prime view.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first come, first served
Cite this Entry
“First come, first served.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20come%2C%20first%20served. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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