first base

noun

1

: the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball

2

: the player position for defending the area around first base

3

: the first step or stage in a course of action

plans never got to first base

first baseman

-ˈbā-smən 

noun

Examples of first base in a Sentence

a runner on first base

She hit a ground ball to first base.

He used to be a catcher, but now he plays first base.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Mets need to either re-sign the homegrown star or find a viable alternative at first base. —Tim Britton, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

While the first base market is dry, New York could add a third baseman and slot Mark Vientos in at first base. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Other free agent first base options include Carlos Santana and Paul Goldschmidt. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024

Bellinger’s versatility at three defensive positions could help the Yankees by rotating him and Judge in right and center fields or serve as a replacement to Anthony Rizzo at first base. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

first base

noun

: the base that must be touched first by a base runner in baseball

also : the position of the player defending the area around first base