first stab

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.

In theory, the majority might have felt it was proper for the lower court to take the first stab as a matter of appellate procedure.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

We have now seen and heard his first stab at trying to take on that hunch.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2023

The launch was clearly a first stab at a service as it lacked the bells and whistles of Twitter.

From Reuters • Jul. 6, 2023

Vallejo’s first stab at Monterey County, where he was born, had the county stretched south “almost to San Luis Obispo,” then north to “what would be, according to his map, San Francisco,” Lydon said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2023

"Oh, Mr. Philpot resigned nearly three months ago," said Mrs. Carey easily, giving Henry Lord, Ph.D., her first stab, and a look of amusement on her own behalf.

From Mother Carey's Chickens by Wiggin, Kate Douglas Smith