: 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 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 It has been used as a first-line treatment in Canada and parts and Europe for more than 40 years. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024 Metformin is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10 and above. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2024 The medications can be used along previous first-line treatments for migraine. Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2024 Your first-line defense Doctors recommend first trying to limit your exposure to whatever is triggering an allergic response — for example, tree pollen in the spring. Nina Agrawal, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 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 11 Jun. 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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