first-line
adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of tuberculosis
compare second-line
Examples of first-line in a Sentence
surgery is usually not considered a first-line treatment for this type of cancer
Recent Examples on the Web
Two smaller studies presented at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in April found survival benefits to giving daraxonrasib as part of first-line therapy.
—
Erika Edwards, NBC news, 6 May 2026
The initiative focuses on the most widely prescribed class of psychiatric medications, first-line treatments for depression and anxiety that include Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, and Prozac.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 May 2026
Still, despite some of the flaws in his game, McKenna projects as a first-line star winger and dynamic power play tactician.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Adding even one new option—such as RP1—for people whose melanoma has not responded to first-line treatments could make a big difference for patients’ prognoses.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
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Erika Edwards, NBC news, 6 May 2026
The initiative focuses on the most widely prescribed class of psychiatric medications, first-line treatments for depression and anxiety that include Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, and Prozac.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 May 2026
Still, despite some of the flaws in his game, McKenna projects as a first-line star winger and dynamic power play tactician.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Adding even one new option—such as RP1—for people whose melanoma has not responded to first-line treatments could make a big difference for patients’ prognoses.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
Cite this Entry
“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
first-line
adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer
compare second-line
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