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• first-string
  first-string

  adjective

  composed of regular members, participants, etc. (distinguished from substitute).
• first string
  first string

  noun

  the top player of a team in an individual sport, such as squash

first-string

American  

[furst-string] / ˈfɜrstˈstrɪŋ /

adjective

1. composed of regular members, participants, etc. (distinguished from substitute).

   the first-string team.

2. foremost; main.

   the first-string critics.

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first string British  

noun

1. the top player of a team in an individual sport, such as squash

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adjective

1. being a regular member of a team rather than a substitute or reserve

2. being the top player of a team in an individual sport

3. of high rating; first-class

Other Word Forms

• first-stringer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of first-string

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

And this fall, he has been locked in a battle with Penn State transfer Beau Pribula, jockeying for first-string signal-caller duties at an SEC program coming off a 10-win season.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

Moreover, regardless of the score, the first-string players almost always remain on the field.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2023

Tucker will wrap up spring practice Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium, where fans will watch a 15-period practice that will include first-string offensive players scrimmaging against the team’s top defense.

From Washington Times • Apr. 14, 2023

Four cornerbacks appear to be vying for first-string duties opposite Smith-Wade.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2023

In college, the agent had been a first-string diver on the swimming team; he had almost qualified for the Olympics.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols