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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

“He treats the eighth-string walk-on like he’s a first-string starter. … He’s truly a unique individual, and I’m really glad he’s on our team.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2024

At the end of Week 15, 18 teams had started quarterbacks who weren’t their first-string passers on opening day; 56 different quarterbacks have started an NFL game this season.

From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2023

At the end of Week 15 of the NFL season, 18 teams had started quarterbacks who weren’t their first-string passers on opening day; 56 different quarterbacks have started an NFL game this season.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

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

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2023

The players ran at full strength under the angry glaze of the lights, the first-string offense and defense going against so-called scout teams simulating the offense and defense of the coming week’s opponent.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger