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
Amato emphasizes that such treatments are not first-line solutions but are considered within broader, individualized care plans.
—
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
According to Laye, applying an anti-chafe gel to problem spots—between your toes, along the sides of your feet, and on your heels—prior to racing is good first-line prevention.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Murphy is an every-shift player who should immediately be a first-line star in the PWHL and thrive in its more physical style of play.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Even the current first-line oral treatment, fexinidazole, must be taken for 10 days and comes with severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting and heart-rhythm disturbances.
—Fran Kritz, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for first-line
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.
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
According to Laye, applying an anti-chafe gel to problem spots—between your toes, along the sides of your feet, and on your heels—prior to racing is good first-line prevention.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Murphy is an every-shift player who should immediately be a first-line star in the PWHL and thrive in its more physical style of play.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Even the current first-line oral treatment, fexinidazole, must be taken for 10 days and comes with severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting and heart-rhythm disturbances.
—Fran Kritz, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
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 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
first-line
adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer
compare second-line
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
