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
Larkin owes his employer first-line performance for five more seasons.
—
Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 5 June 2026
According to the American College of Cardiology, first-line strategies for managing high blood pressure include quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and increasing physical activity.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026
The drug is being positioned as a first-line treatment option.
—Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Right now, chemotherapy is still recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
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Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 5 June 2026
According to the American College of Cardiology, first-line strategies for managing high blood pressure include quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and increasing physical activity.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026
The drug is being positioned as a first-line treatment option.
—Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Right now, chemotherapy is still recommended as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 31 May 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 12 Jun. 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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