first base noun
[singular] baseball : the base that must be touched first by a base runner
▪ a runner on first base ; also : the position of the player who defends the area around first base
▪ She hit a ground ball to first base. ▪ He used to be a catcher, but now he plays first base. — compare home plate, second base, third base
▪ a runner on first base ; also : the position of the player who defends the area around first base
▪ She hit a ground ball to first base. ▪ He used to be a catcher, but now he plays first base. — compare home plate, second base, third base
get to first base
chiefly US, informal : to make the first step in a course or process that you hope will lead further — usually used in negative statements ▪ Her proposal to change the tax laws never got to first base. [=never had any success at all] ▪ He kept asking her out, but he couldn't even get to first base. [=she would not agree to go on even one date with him]
