first thing

idiom
UK: /ˌfɜːst ˈθɪŋ/
US: /ˌfɝːst ˈθɪŋ/

  1. The first action to take or the most important thing to do.

    1. The first thing I do is check my email. [ ] [ ]
    2. The first thing we need to consider before going further is our budget limitations. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to emphasize the immediacy or priority of an action.

    1. I'll call you first thing tomorrow. [ ] [ ]
    2. First thing after breakfast, we’ll pack our bags and leave this hotel. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

first off straightaway initially right away immediately
first thing adverb

  1. The earliest moment; right away.

    1. I woke up first thing in the morning. [ ] [ ]
    2. I deal with the most urgent requests first thing when I arrive at the office. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "first thing" in English means: The first action to take or the most important thing to do., Used to emphasize the immediacy or priority of an action..

The phonetic transcription of "first thing" is /ˌfɜːst ˈθɪŋ/ in British English and /ˌfɝːst ˈθɪŋ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "first thing": first off, straightaway, initially, right away, immediately.

Example usage of "first thing": "The first thing I do is check my email.". More examples on the page.