first dibs on
idiom
US, informal
: choice of (something) before anyone else gets to pick
The farm always gives first dibs on its vegetables to local families.
Examples of first dibs on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Checking in early can secure a better seat, help avoid being bumped, and give first dibs on last-minute upgrade deals.
—
Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Countries that produced their own vaccines in the COVID-19 pandemic had first dibs on the shots.
—Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
Females also get first dibs on any food sources, while males wait patiently in the treetops above until the females are finished.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
The University of Illinois Hospital Transplantation Program had first dibs on the kidney for a multi-organ transplant.
—Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
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Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Countries that produced their own vaccines in the COVID-19 pandemic had first dibs on the shots.
—Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
Females also get first dibs on any food sources, while males wait patiently in the treetops above until the females are finished.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
The University of Illinois Hospital Transplantation Program had first dibs on the kidney for a multi-organ transplant.
—Brian M. Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
Cite this Entry
“First dibs on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20dibs%20on. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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