first base

noun

Synonyms of first basenext
1
: the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball
2
: the player position for defending the area around first base
3
: the first step or stage in a course of action
plans never got to first base
first baseman
-ˈbā-smən How to pronounce first base (audio)
noun

Examples of first base in a Sentence

a runner on first base She hit a ground ball to first base. He used to be a catcher, but now he plays first base.
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.
Polanco, who has battled an Achilles tendon issue all season, hasn’t played first base since the season’s opening series. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Veen hit a curveball 406 feet down the first base line into McCovey Cove to give the Rockies a 4-1 lead. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 As Cronenworth beat Ashby to first base by a few inches, beating Bauer’s underhanded toss and keeping the inning alive, Tatis alertly scored the tying run. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 In the seventh, with two outs and two on, Frazier hit a bouncer up the first base line. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first base

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first base was in 1848

Rhymes for first base

See All Rhymes for first base

Browse Nearby Words

first attack
first base
first baseman
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Cite this Entry

“First base.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20base. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

first base

noun
: the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball
also : the position of the player defending the area around first base

More from Merriam-Webster on first base

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