Synonyms of first-stringnext
1
: being a regular as distinguished from a substitute (as on a team)
2
first-stringer noun

Examples of first-string in a Sentence

a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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.
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina. Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026 While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players. J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025 That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-string was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-string. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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