: 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 Lifestyle changes like moderate exercise and a healthy diet are often first-line suggestions. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024 In the other study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania gave a combination therapy to patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer as a first-line treatment. Angus Chen, STAT, 20 June 2024 Metformin is a first-line medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and has been widely used to help control blood sugar levels since the 1960s. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 17 June 2024 Ceftriaxone is currently the first-line treatment for gonorrhea because Neisseria gonorrhoeae has spent the past several decades building up resistance to pretty much everything else. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024 Traditional DMARDs are first-line options, usually methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine, depending on disease severity. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024 Police also used a liquid known as Bluestar that is meant to be a first-line method of picking up blood stains not visible to the human eye. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2024 There were 2,619 job postings for nurses, followed by posts for retail salespeople with 2,310, sales representatives with 1,201 and first-line supervisors of retail workers with 1,145. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024 There are several drugs considered first-line treatments for controlling IBS symptoms.5 Someone with diarrhea will have a different medication than someone with constipation or abdominal pain. Kelly Burch, Health, 12 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'first-line.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near first-line

Cite this Entry

“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

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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