first base

noun

Synonyms of first basenext
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 How to pronounce first base (audio)
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.
Washington had a runner on first base in the top of the fourth inning when the game was halted for one hour and 20 minutes because of lightning in the area. — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 Lombard then rose to his feet and fired a strong throw from the outfield grass, beating Wetherholt to first base. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 For now, the organization appears committed to keeping Bohm in the lineup while shifting him to first base and asking Harper to return to right field for the first time in several years. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 However, Bell started to retreat to first base and forced Massey to make a late throw to first baseman Jac Caglianone. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for first base

See All Rhymes for first base

Browse Nearby Words

first attack
first base
first baseman
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Cite this Entry

“First base.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20base. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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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

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