firstly
Americanadverb
adverb
Usage
What does firstly mean? Firstly means in the first place or first, as in Firstly, I did study for the test, and secondly, the test was long and difficult. You will most often see firstly at the start of a sentence that details a first point in an argument. Sentences that detail other points in the argument may begin with second, secondly, and similar terms that number (that is, enumerate) your points. Example: Firstly, I’d like to point out that I was never on the site on that day.
Etymology
Origin of firstly
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 reason it was so important to me to support this work is, firstly, because of free speech, obviously.
From Slate • May 18, 2026
Prior to the Ashes he had not played Test cricket for 15 months, firstly because of an elbow injury, followed by the knee problem.
From BBC • May 2, 2026
"I mean, firstly, we're very sympathetic towards Bangladeshi players, but we still massively believe that we should be here." veteran left-armer Watt told reporters.
From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026
Kansas City have a great defence, the reasons for failure are clear and were wonderfully encapsulated during Sunday's defeat to Houston - firstly the already dodgy offensive line had three starters missing.
From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025
These were the six things the dwarfs gathered: For firstly, the footsteps of a cat.
From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
