face-first

adverb

ˌfās-ˈfərst How to pronounce face-first (audio)
: with the face foremost
hit the wall face-first
face-first adjective

Examples of face-first in a Sentence

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.
In two video clips, which were sent to the Statesman by a witness, the man is face-first on the ground while one of the officers straddles him and pushes his head into the sidewalk. — Alex Brizee july 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026 England wunderkind David Beckham, then 23, had been fouled by Diego Simeone and lay face-first on the field. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026 According to a lawsuit, at least three other guards then rushed in, forced him into a blind spot, and pinned him face-first to a wall. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 13 July 2026 But on this occasion, Karagach immediately slipped from Efron’s grasp, landing face-first on the floor. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-first

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of face-first was in 1880

Rhymes for face-first

See All Rhymes for face-first

Browse Nearby Words

face facts
face-first
face flannel
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Face-first.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face-first. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

face-first

adverb
ˌfās-ˈfərst
: with the face leading the body
hit the ground face-first
face-first adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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