: 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.
Get your ground truth from data, facts, and first-line supervisors. George Bradt, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 Reinhart, a first-line forward, has four goals and seven assists in the playoffs this year. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025 Metformin, a drug used as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, has been associated with a 30% lower risk of death, according to a new study. New Atlas, 24 May 2025 The 2026 free agent class outshines 2025’s two first-line caliber players with five — Kyle Connor and Adrian Kempe, who should make eight figures on their next deals, along with Artemi Panarin, Martin Necas and Alex Tuch. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 22 May 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 30 May. 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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