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Definitions

first off

ADVERB
before anything else
Synonyms
WEAK
first of all first thing firstly foremost immediately in the first place primo up front

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Play “ready golf”: Stop worrying about who has the honor to hit first off the tee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The UK was first off the blocks, perhaps inevitably.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

Well, I would like to say first off, that science is and should be for absolutely everyone, regardless of your political affiliation.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2024

Then a trio of three-points by Paul George early in the third quarter — the first off an assist from Harden — pulled the Clippers even three times, the final at 73.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2024

“Well, first off, we made ourselves some getting-over-kids stew, special recipe.”

From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech