Definition

Adjective: 1. Being a regular member of a team: Refers to a player who is a primary, regular, and often starting member of a sports team, as opposed to a substitute or reserve player. 2. Of members of a team; not substitutes: Describes the main or most skilled group of players who are typically chosen to start a game or match.

Usage

The adjective "first-string" is used attributively (before a noun) to describe the primary or most important players in a team context. It implies a level of skill, experience, or status above that of substitutes or second-string players. - It is most commonly used in sports contexts (e.g., football, basketball, baseball) but can be metaphorically extended to other areas like business or music to denote primary or top-tier participants.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • After an excellent preseason, she earned a first-string position on the volleyball team.
  • The coach decided to rest his first-string quarterback for the less important game.
  • Injuries forced the team to play several first-string players out of their usual positions.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Extension: Used outside of sports to describe the most important or skilled individuals in any group or organization.
  • She is a first-string analyst at the consulting firm, always assigned to the most critical projects.
  • The conductor called upon the first-string violinists for the difficult solo passage.

Variants and Related Words

• First-stringer (noun): A player who is a member of the first string.
  • He proved himself to be a valuable first-stringer this season.
• Second-string (adjective): Referring to substitute or reserve players.
  • The second-string players got a chance to play in the final quarter.
• Starter (noun): A player who is on the field or court at the start of the game; often synonymous with a first-string player.

Synonyms

• Starting (as in )
• First-team
• Regular (in the context of a team member)
• Primary

Antonyms

• Second-string
• Substitute
• Reserve
• Backup

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To make first string: To achieve the status of a regular starting player.
  • His dedication in practice finally helped him make first string.
• First-string quality: Possessing the skill or caliber expected of a primary team member.
  • Even as a rookie, her performances were of first-string quality.

Adjective

1. being a regular member of a team
   • first-string players
2. of members of a team; not substitutes