: 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 trial involves randomizing patients to receive cema-cel or standard care, with a focus on patients who are MRD positive after first-line therapy. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025 Hirsch said doctors in the U.S. would likely use the same first-line BV medications—metronidazole and clindamycin gel—to treat male partners. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025 Colorado has added a first-line wing, two bottom-six forwards, a top-five defenseman and two goaltenders. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025 Now playing as San Jose’s first-line center, Celebrini leads the Sharks and is tied for second among all NHL rookies with 44 points in 49 games this season. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 3 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 18 Mar. 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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