- 1the first [countable] (pl. the first) the first person or thing mentioned; the first person or thing to do a particular thing I was the first in my family to go to college. Sheila and Jim were the first to arrive. I'd be the first to admit (= I willingly admit) I might be wrong. The first I heard about the wedding (= the first time I became aware of it) was when I saw it in the local paper.
- 2[countable, usually singular] an achievement, event, etc., never done or experienced before We went on a cruise, a first for both of us.
- 3(also first gear) [uncountable] the lowest gear on a car, bicycle, etc. that you use when you are moving slowly He put the car in first and revved it. Idioms
the person or thing with the highest status in a group
from the beginning They were attracted to each other from the first.
from beginning to end; during the whole time It's a fine performance that commands attention from first to last.
Check pronunciation: first