Synonyms

first thing

Idioms

Before anything else; without delay. For example, Tom was supposed to call him first thing in the morning. [Late 1500s] Also see under first and foremost; first off.

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.

The former prime minister is quoted as saying: "The first thing I did upon becoming prime minister was to install air conditioners in buildings where the civil service worked. This was key to public efficiency."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The first thing patients should check is if their insurance covers GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Infiniti: The first thing it really taught me was that my posture is not as good as I thought it was because those costumes really force you to take over perfect posture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

On affordability, the first thing people here think about is rent.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

If I do have a better view from there, the very first thing I will do is send a photo back to the command center.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

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