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.
Of the three hitters who reached base against him, just one passed first base. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Not when Bud Black, the Padres’ manager at the time, asked Roberts to be his first base coach. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 On the field between home plate and first base, a thermometer read nearly 97 degrees before the game. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 2 July 2026 And then there was Rafael Devers’ failure to cede first base after a ninth inning walk on Sunday. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 9 Jul. 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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