: 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.
These results support continued use of oseltamivir as the first-line treatment and for post-exposure prophylaxis in close contacts of infected individuals. John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 But when antidepressants, the first-line treatment for depression, don’t effectively relieve the symptoms of the condition, then an additional layer of hopelessness gets added to the mix. New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025 Suter is the sort of player teams win with, even if asking him to play first-line centre at the most difficult point in the regular season calendar might be a bridge too far. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 Cognitive behavioral therapy is the first-line treatment recommended for insomnia. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 2 Apr. 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
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