first-string

[ furst-string ]

/ ˈfɜrstˈstrɪŋ /

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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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of first-string

First recorded in 1915–20

OTHER WORDS FROM first-string

first-stringer, noun

Words nearby first-string

first school, First Secretary, first sergeant, First State, first strike, first-string, first-termer, first thing, first things first, first-time, first-timer

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