first base

noun

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 

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

The play of the game yesterday was Fernando Tatis Jr. flying down the first base line after chopping a ball into the ground and beating out third baseman José Ramirez’s throw to first base by a grain of sand. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

The Royals have also counted on veterans Cavan Biggio and Mark Canha to fill in at first base as Vinnie Pasquantino nurses a right-hamstring strain. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025

Third baseman Grant Pauley bobbled the ball and Vientos was still thrown out, prompting a talk by shortstop Francisco Lindor and first base coach Antoan Richardson. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025

She’s developed her skills at first base the past two springs with the Panthers. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for first base

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

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