first

first · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Coming before all others in time, order, or importance.

  2. 2.

    Foremost in position, rank, or importance.

  3. 3.

    Before anything else; at the beginning.

  4. 4.

    For the first time.

  5. 5.

    The first person or thing of its kind.

  6. 6.

    First gear in a vehicle.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    first and foremost — Most importantly.
  • •
    at first — In the beginning.
  • •
    first of all — Before anything else.
  • •
    first things first — Priorities should be addressed in order.
  • •
    first come, first served — Served in order of arrival.
  • •
    first hand — Directly from the source.
  • •
    love at first sight — Instant romantic attraction.

Related words

Antonyms: final, last
See also: initial, last, primary, second
Synonyms: earliest, foremost, initial, primary

Etymology

From Old English fyrst ("first, foremost"), superlative of fore ("before").