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
• beautiful
• fantastic
• fine
• marvelous
• hot
• quality
• first-class
• first-rate
• classic
• famous
• superlative

Examples of first-string in a Sentence

a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Recent Examples on the Web

Perkins has worked with the second-team defense and saw a snap with the first-string unit as well, aligning over the center’s right shoulder in a pass-rushing look. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 20 June 2026

With Hollins and Boutte absent and Brown still on the Eagles, Doubs, Williams, Chism and Douglas received most of the first-string work at wide receiver. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026

After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026

Carrig most often is that man for the Heat, taking over first-string duties after Miami’s longtime official scorer, Peter Abraham, retired in 2022. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 17 Mar. 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