firstly
Americanadverb
adverb
Usage
What does firstly mean? Firstly means in the first place or first, as in Firstly, I did study for the test, and secondly, the test was long and difficult. You will most often see firstly at the start of a sentence that details a first point in an argument. Sentences that detail other points in the argument may begin with second, secondly, and similar terms that number (that is, enumerate) your points. Example: Firstly, I’d like to point out that I was never on the site on that day.
Etymology
Origin of firstly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The reason it was so important to me to support this work is, firstly, because of free speech, obviously.
From Slate • May 18, 2026
We'll come on to that very shortly, but let's firstly talk about your first memory of playing football.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
"I like to enjoy football. I like to play free. Football is work but firstly it is the passion and the fans. I think they understand my energy and my vibes."
From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026
"I mean, firstly, we're very sympathetic towards Bangladeshi players, but we still massively believe that we should be here." veteran left-armer Watt told reporters.
From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026
She repeated the gesture, this time pointing firstly at him, then at herself, then at the ceiling.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
