first-string

American  

[furst-string] / ˈfɜrstˈstrɪŋ /

adjective

1. composed of regular members, participants, etc. (substitute ).

   the first-string team.

2. foremost; main.

   the first-string critics.

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first string British  

noun

1. the top player of a team in an individual sport, such as squash

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adjective

1. being a regular member of a team rather than a substitute or reserve

2. being the top player of a team in an individual sport

3. of high rating; first-class

Other Word Forms

• first-stringer noun

Etymology

Origin of first-string

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2025

At the end of Week 15 of the NFL season, 18 teams had started quarterbacks who weren’t their first-string passers on opening day; 56 different quarterbacks have started an NFL game this season.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

Moreover, regardless of the score, the first-string players almost always remain on the field.

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2023

Tucker will wrap up spring practice Saturday afternoon at Spartan Stadium, where fans will watch a 15-period practice that will include first-string offensive players scrimmaging against the team’s top defense.

From Washington Times • Apr. 14, 2023

The players ran at full strength under the angry glaze of the lights, the first-string offense and defense going against so-called scout teams simulating the offense and defense of the coming week’s opponent.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger