first-line
adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of tuberculosis
compare second-line
Synonyms
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
Modern antibiotics – streptomycin is the usual first-line treatment – can prevent complications and death if given promptly after symptoms appear.
—
Susan Scutti, CNN, 5 July 2024
Lifestyle changes like moderate exercise and a healthy diet are often first-line suggestions.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024
In the other study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania gave a combination therapy to patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer as a first-line treatment.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 20 June 2024
Metformin is a first-line medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has been widely used to help control blood sugar levels since the 1960s.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for first-line 
Susan Scutti, CNN, 5 July 2024
Lifestyle changes like moderate exercise and a healthy diet are often first-line suggestions.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024
In the other study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania gave a combination therapy to patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer as a first-line treatment.
—Angus Chen, STAT, 20 June 2024
Metformin is a first-line medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has been widely used to help control blood sugar levels since the 1960s.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for first-line
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first-line.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near first-line
Cite this Entry
“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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