first strike

noun

: a preemptive nuclear attack
first-strike adjective

Examples of first strike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So after Israel’s first strike, on June 13, China—the strongest partner in the anti-America triad—could have been expected to rush short-range missiles and other air-defense equipment to Iran. Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025 Yet from Israel's first strike on June 13, the air force was able to dominate the skies over Iran, repeatedly hitting the country's nuclear sites and military facilities, while also killing many top leaders. Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025 Show more And on Sunday, two days after Israel launched its first strikes, the Iranians were planning to go into a round of talks with Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Nbc News, NBC news, 21 June 2025 Natanz The first strikes severely damaged Iran’s largest uranium enrichment center, at Natanz, about 140 miles south of Tehran. Bora Erden, New York Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for first strike

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first strike was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“First strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20strike. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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