foremost

1 of 2

adjective

fore·​most ˈfȯr-ˌmōst How to pronounce foremost (audio)
1
: first in a series or progression
Safety is their foremost concern.
2
: of first rank or position : preeminent
He is the foremost authority on the American Civil War period.

foremost

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in the first place
2
: most importantly
first and foremost

Examples of foremost in a Sentence

Adjective Albert Einstein is regarded by many as the foremost figure of the 20th century. wanted to speak to the foremost supervisor in our department
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.
Adjective
The biographical circumstances and the reddish tinge of the foremost prisoner’s hair have led commentators to interpret the image metaphorically, even solipsistically––the prisoner becomes a cipher for van Gogh, physically and psychologically incarcerated. Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Christian Oberbeck, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
The Best Places to Watch Comet A3 in Your Region First and foremost: find a lookout with clear, unobstructed views of the western horizon, particularly during the comet’s initial streak across our sky this weekend, when A3 will be hovering just above it. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024 Hospitality comes first and foremost without the formalities of fine dining. Susan Stapleton, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foremost

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English formest, from Old English, superlative of forma first; akin to Old High German fruma advantage, Old English fore fore

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foremost was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foremost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foremost. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

foremost

adjective
fore·​most
-ˌmōst
: first in time, place, or order : most important
foremost adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on foremost

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