first quarter

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the instant, approximately one week after a new moon, when one half of the moon's disk is illuminated by the sun.

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first quarter British  

noun

1. one of the four principal phases of the moon, occurring between new moon and full moon, when half of the lighted surface is visible from earth Compare last quarter

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Etymology

Origin of first quarter

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to conditions, the companies said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reaves looked out of sorts when he entered with 5:23 remaining in the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

The U.S. economy did contract in the first quarter, but that result was distorted by a rush of imports as companies sought to stockpile goods ahead of tariffs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Strong growth in the spring and summer offset a small contraction in GDP in the first quarter, positioning the economy to expand by at least 2% for the fourth year in a row.

From MarketWatch

This gives them a head start over Eli Lilly whose orforglipron pills are expected to gain approval in the first quarter of next year before a roll-out in the second quarter.

From MarketWatch