: 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
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.
The level of hubris that overtook Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her first-line officials could partially explain the pervasiveness of explicit corruption all the way to the upper echelons of government. Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) A first-line treatment, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), may provide some relief. Brittany Risher, SELF, 8 Jan. 2025 More comfortable in the middle, but that he’s being asked to be first-line center at times says more about the organization’s needs. Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 There’s more consistent offence in his game (eight points in 10 games) as their new first-line right winger. Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for first-line 

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-line was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near first-line

Cite this Entry

“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

first-line

adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer
compare second-line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!