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.

Now a 10-year-old but a former winner of the Betfred Bowl at this meeting and he deserves this first stab at the race.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

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

This is not Wildcat's first stab at shareholder activism.

From Reuters • Jul. 12, 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

Doubtless after the first stab of pain that the bird had brought him he had steeled himself to its renewal.

From The Rulers of the Lakes A Story of George and Champlain by Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander)