first-string

[ furst-string ]

/ ˈfɜrstˈstrɪŋ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for first-string on Thesaurus.com

adjective

composed of regular members, participants, etc. (distinguished from substitute): the first-string team.

foremost; main: the first-string critics.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of first-string

First recorded in 1915–20

OTHER WORDS FROM first-string

first-stringer, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use first-string in a sentence

With the exception of Clint at left tackle, the line-up consisted of first-string players.
Left Tackle Thayer|Ralph Henry Barbour
She had replaced many of her first-string men, but her captain was still in and so was the quarter-back who had started.
Quarter-Back Bates|Ralph Henry Barbour
On Friday there was only signal work for the subs, but the first-string players and the second held scrimmage as usual.
Center Rush Rowland|Ralph Henry Barbour
Dont, added the coach, fool yourselves with the idea that if you get in trouble Ill put the first-string men in to pull you out.
Center Rush Rowland|Ralph Henry Barbour

The first-string men were given easy practice and faced the second for only ten minutes in scrimmage.
Left End Edwards|Ralph Henry Barbour

British Dictionary definitions for first-string

first string

noun

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

adjective first-string

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

being the top player of a team in an individual sport

of high rating; first-class

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012