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
The American Heart Association considers regular exercise, among other lifestyle tweaks, to be a first-line therapy for people with elevated blood pressure.
—
Jenessa Connor, Health, 2 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s young players haven’t improved, and various deployment decisions — like playing Evander Kane far more than any other forward, or utilizing Teddy Blueger as a first-line centre after the Olympic break — have been downright indefensible.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Amato emphasizes that such treatments are not first-line solutions but are considered within broader, individualized care plans.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
According to Laye, applying an anti-chafe gel to problem spots—between your toes, along the sides of your feet, and on your heels—prior to racing is good first-line prevention.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
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Jenessa Connor, Health, 2 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Vancouver’s young players haven’t improved, and various deployment decisions — like playing Evander Kane far more than any other forward, or utilizing Teddy Blueger as a first-line centre after the Olympic break — have been downright indefensible.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Amato emphasizes that such treatments are not first-line solutions but are considered within broader, individualized care plans.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
According to Laye, applying an anti-chafe gel to problem spots—between your toes, along the sides of your feet, and on your heels—prior to racing is good first-line prevention.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 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 8 Apr. 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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