first and last

Idioms

Under all circumstances, always, as in She was an artist first and last. (For a synonym, see above all.) This expression, first recorded in 1589, should not be confused with the similar-sounding from first to last, which means “from start to finish” or “throughout,” as in We cheered them on from first to last.

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.

Historic freezes in 1894 and 1895 nearly eradicated the industry, its first and last real brush with old-world calamity.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

An AC/DC fan has run an ultramarathon dressed as the band's Angus Young, running between the first and last concerts on their Australian tour to raise money for charity.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

This year, they will simultaneously serve multiple dishes during the first and last course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

He painted "California" in early 1961, shortly before he made his first and last trip to the United States for his debut exhibitions across the Atlantic, in New York and Los Angeles, it said.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

The first and last things she gave to her daughter were apologies.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023