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
With a delay in Artemis II to no earlier than March because of problems with the rocket’s wet dress rehearsal, though, its crew postponed the preparation and the SpaceX commercial crew mission to the International Space Station now has first dibs on getting to space.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
And the tribe plans to introduce legislation in South Carolina this year to give it first dibs on opening a casino in the state, Harris said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
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Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
And the tribe plans to introduce legislation in South Carolina this year to give it first dibs on opening a casino in the state, Harris said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026
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
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 16 Feb. 2026.
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