first-line
adjective
: 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
When antihistamines, the standard first-line treatment, fail to provide relief, systemic therapies that work throughout the body are the next step.
—
New Atlas, 17 July 2025
Exercise, on the other hand, is not considered a first-line treatment for insomnia in any clinical guidance literature.
—Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The study authors aren’t the only ones who advise against Benadryl as a first-line defense.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 16 July 2025
The first-line treatment for foot pain often involves resting your feet and wearing more supportive shoes, like sneakers.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for first-line
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New Atlas, 17 July 2025
Exercise, on the other hand, is not considered a first-line treatment for insomnia in any clinical guidance literature.
—Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The study authors aren’t the only ones who advise against Benadryl as a first-line defense.
—Cathy Nelson, Health, 16 July 2025
The first-line treatment for foot pain often involves resting your feet and wearing more supportive shoes, like sneakers.
—Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for first-line
Cite this Entry
“First-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first-line. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
first-line
adjective
: being the preferred, standard, or first choice
first-line treatment of advanced breast cancer
compare second-line
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