WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
first′ base′,
- Sport[Baseball.]
- the first in counterclockwise order of the bases from home plate.
- the position of the player covering the area of the infield near first base.
- get to first base, [Informal.]
- Idiomsto succeed in the initial phase of a plan or undertaking:His suggestions for labor-saving techniques never got to first base.
- Idiomsto engage in petting that goes no further than kissing.
- 1835–45, American.
'first base' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Baltimore chop
- base
- base on balls
- box
- drag bunt
- fielder's choice
- first
- first baseman
- ground
- groundout
- hit batsman
- passed ball
- perfect game
- rookie
- sacrifice
- safe
- single
- wild pitch