: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of tuberculosis
compare second-line

Examples of first-line in a Sentence

surgery is usually not considered a first-line treatment for this type of cancer
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.
Therefore, using an enema as a first-line treatment for all types of constipation would be sort of like using an axe to cut a piece of cake. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 Nikolaj Ehlers, Carolina Hurricanes Contract: $8.5 million x six years There were only three first-line caliber forwards who changed teams this summer: Marner, JJ Peterka and Nikolaj Ehlers. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Our groundbreaking studies have challenged conventional wisdom about ADHD treatment, demonstrating that behavioral interventions should be the first-line approach, with medication considered secondarily if needed — an approach that proves both more effective and more cost-efficient. Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 Even most homeopathic practitioners support vaccination, and Faculty of Homeopathy explicitly recommends vaccines as first-line protection. Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-line

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first-line was in 1919

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

first-line

adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer
compare second-line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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