Synonyms of first-linenext
: 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.
That’s the equivalent of a low-end first-line rate. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025 The first-line preventive drug for acute mountain sickness, or AMS, is a drug called acetazolamide, sold under the trade name Diamox. Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 23 Dec. 2025 However, it's not typically considered a first-line option. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2025 The administrator provides first-line leadership to a team of staff working the Quality Assurance, Correspondence and Automatic Call Distribution phone line workloads. Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 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 31 Dec. 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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