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
No matter how risky Boeser’s next contract is likely to be, the minutes that he’s consistently handled in a first-line role and his overall reliability as a top-line calibre player will be difficult for Vancouver to replace.
—
Thomas Drance, New York Times, 17 June 2025
For the most part, standard treatments typically focus on topical ointments that include:
Metronidazole and azelaic acid are first-line topical medications that help reduce redness and inflammation.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 12 June 2025
Beta-Blockers Beta-blockers are no longer considered a first-line, single-drug therapy for hypertension unless a patient has ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
—Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 10 June 2025
Fellow first-line forward Sam Reinhart has been getting credit for his defensive performance, too, finishing second to Barkov in this year’s Selke voting.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for first-line
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Thomas Drance, New York Times, 17 June 2025
For the most part, standard treatments typically focus on topical ointments that include:
Metronidazole and azelaic acid are first-line topical medications that help reduce redness and inflammation.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 12 June 2025
Beta-Blockers Beta-blockers are no longer considered a first-line, single-drug therapy for hypertension unless a patient has ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
—Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 10 June 2025
Fellow first-line forward Sam Reinhart has been getting credit for his defensive performance, too, finishing second to Barkov in this year’s Selke voting.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025
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 24 Jun. 2025.
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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