first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ 

1

: being a regular as distinguished from a substitute (as on a team)

2

: first-rate

first-stringer

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ-ər 

noun

Synonyms of first-string

• excellent
• prime
• terrific
• stellar
• superb
• great
• wonderful
• lovely
• awesome
• fabulous
• fantastic
• beautiful
• fine
• marvelous
• hot
• quality
• first-class
• first-rate
• famous
• classic
• superlative

Examples of first-string in a Sentence

a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Recent Examples on the Web

Friday night was redemptive for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers’ first-string offense. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

Against the Chargers’ first-string defense and with both Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, Stribling looked like someone who can be an immediate impact player for the Niners in Year 1. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

If Willis works with the first-string offensive line as expected, he’ll at times be matched up against Chargers interior defensive linemen Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

There was a moment Tuesday morning during walk-throughs when Barron lined up as first-string nickel. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for first-string

• bowstring
• coiling
• downswing
• drawstring
• forewing
• hamstring
• lapwing
• mainspring
• offspring
• plaything
• shoestring
• texting