first dibs on
idiom
US, informal
: choice of (something) before anyone else gets to pick
The farm always gives first dibs on its vegetables to local families.
Examples of first dibs on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Checking in early can secure a better seat, help avoid being bumped, and give first dibs on last-minute upgrade deals.
—
Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
Those who join this year get first dibs on renewal, while everyone else is relegated to a waitlist.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Prime members get first dibs on some impressive clothing and shoe deals — no special promo codes needed.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
While off to its strongest NFL season in 10 years, Fox likely wouldn’t mind taking a crack at a future Chiefs-Bills showdown … although CBS effectively has first dibs on the matchup.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
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Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
Those who join this year get first dibs on renewal, while everyone else is relegated to a waitlist.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Prime members get first dibs on some impressive clothing and shoe deals — no special promo codes needed.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
While off to its strongest NFL season in 10 years, Fox likely wouldn’t mind taking a crack at a future Chiefs-Bills showdown … although CBS effectively has first dibs on the matchup.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
Cite this Entry
“First dibs on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20dibs%20on. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
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