first

/fɜrst/
adjective
  1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest.
    • He took the first train to the city.
    • She won first place in the spelling bee.
    • The first snow of winter fell in November.
  2. Most important or highest in rank.
    • The first rule of the club is to have fun.
    • Safety is our first priority.
    • She is the first violinist in the orchestra.
Antonyms
adverb
  1. Before any other person or thing in time, order, or importance.
    • He arrived first at the party.
    • First, we need to gather all the materials.
    • Please read the instructions first.
  2. For the first time.
    • I first met her in college.
    • The song was first performed in 1999.
    • When did you first visit Japan?
noun
  1. The person or thing that comes before all others in time, order, or rank.
    • She was the first to finish the race.
    • He is always the first to volunteer.
    • The first of the month is a holiday.
  2. The beginning or earliest part.
    • From the first, I knew this project would be hard.
    • At first, I didn't like the movie, but it grew on me.
    • The first of the book is a bit slow.
  3. The lowest gear in a vehicle.
    • The truck struggled in first gear.
    • He put the car in first and drove away slowly.
    • Shift into first when going up a steep hill.
What does "first" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean