first base

noun

1. Baseball.
   1. the first in counterclockwise order of the bases from home plate.
   2. the position of the player covering the area of the infield near first base.

first base

noun

1. baseball
   1. the base that a runner must reach safely to score a hit, and the first of the three bases he must reach safely on the way to home plate in order to score a run
   2. the fielding position nearest this base
2. get to first base informal.
   get to first base to accomplish the first step of an undertaking

Word History and Origins

Origin of first base¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get to first base, Informal.
   1. to succeed in the initial phase of a plan or undertaking:

      His suggestions for labor-saving techniques never got to first base.

   2. to engage in petting that goes no further than kissing.

Example Sentences

He axes the tee like a log, watches the ball roll a few inches, then scurries to first base.

From Time

The boos turned to cheers when he was hit by a pitch and took first base.

From Washington Post

Randy Knorr, an organizational lifer, was promoted to coach first base in place of the recently departed Chip Hale.

From Washington Post

On the first pitch, as Dreer got a fast start for second, Hollis bunted down the first-base line.

From Project Gutenberg

He is entitled to first-base if the pitcher pitches four bad balls, at none of which he (the batsman) has struck.

From Project Gutenberg

The batsman becomes a base-runner the moment he starts for first-base.

From Project Gutenberg

Andy did take his time, and as a result got four balls and walked to first-base.

From Project Gutenberg

Way bunted down the first-base line, and managed to beat out the throw.

From Project Gutenberg