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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finally, pitcher Gerrit Cole forgot to cover first base to further keep the inning alive. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Jose Miranda sits atop the Twins’ first base depth chart, if only by default, with Edouard Julien and Gasper as the other in-house options. Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 The Yankees also upgraded their bullpen by trading for closer Devin Williams; at first base by signing Paul Goldschmidt; and defensively with their trade for outfielder Cody Bellinger. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Dec. 2024 There's also an ice rink located along the first base line. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for first base 

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of first base was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near first base

Cite this Entry

“First base.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20base. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on first base

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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