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.
Idioms
2.
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.
Origin
1835-45, Americanism
Examples from the web for first base
  • He has to stop, and then re-start toward first base.
  • When even the outfielders get to play first base sometimes because the game doesn't count.
  • The field was set up with one end zone in left field and the other by the dugout on the first base side of the field.
  • He can play first base, third base, and the corner outfield positions.
  • One of his punishments was to replace the first base with a new one.
  • Wooden bleachers for spectators are on teh first base side of the field.
  • Always drop your bat next to your side in the batters box before you head for first base.
British Dictionary definitions for 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.
(informal, mainly US & Canadian) get to first base, to accomplish the first step of an undertaking
Slang definitions & phrases for first base

first base

noun phrase

In early sexual play, holding hands: ''In sixth grade,'' she said, ''first base is holding hands, and second base is kissing on the mouth'' (1980s+ Schoolchildren)

Related Terms

get to first base