first strike

noun

: a preemptive nuclear attack
first-strike adjective

Examples of first strike in a Sentence

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.
Meanwhile, a massive airlift nearing the scale of that during the buildup to first strike Iran has gained steam, feeding into speculation that Trump could be preparing a resumption of the war. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026 The Lebanese health ministry said the first strike killed two people. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 The union and school district reached an agreement four days later, ending the city’s first strike in nearly 50 years. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the journalists were seeking shelter from the first strike in a nearby house. Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for first strike

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first strike was in 1956

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Cite this Entry

“First strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20strike. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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