1
: being a regular as distinguished from a substitute (as on a team)
2
first-stringer noun

Examples of first-string in a Sentence

a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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 Packers did not play their first-string offense. Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024 As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 Martin, a redshirt sophomore, took first-string snaps in practice, every repetition coveted by a player who has thrown all of five passes in college. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024 Darnold can surely draw on his scout-team duties against the 49ers’ first-string defense last season and vice versa. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024 Wednesday’s first-string receivers were Samuel and Chris Conley. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024 As of now, the first-string edge rushers appear to be Jacob Busic and Devin Aupiu, with Drew Tuazama and Grant Buckey backing them up. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2024 Puni has been the first-string right guard since the third practice of camp, after Spencer Burford sustained a fractured right hand that has not required surgery. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024 Fittingly, Van Roten arrived on a day when Jones and the Giants’ first-string offensive line had a disastrous and discouraging practice, reinforcing the new signing’s need. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 30 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-string was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near first-string

Cite this Entry

“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-string. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

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!