first minister: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Political, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “first minister” mean?
The head of government in a devolved administration within the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) or in some other countries with similar political structures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The head of government in a devolved administration within the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) or in some other countries with similar political structures.
A title for the principal minister of a regional or national government, often used where 'prime minister' is not the preferred term, particularly in contexts of devolved power within a larger sovereign state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'First Minister' is a standard, official title (e.g., First Minister of Scotland). In American English, the term is rarely used domestically and is primarily understood in the context of foreign governments like Scotland or Wales.
Connotations
UK: Connotes devolved governance within the UK. US: Carries a foreign, specifically British/Commonwealth, political connotation.
Frequency
High frequency in UK political discourse; very low frequency in general US English.
Grammar
How to Use “first minister” in a Sentence
First Minister of [Country/Region]the First MinisterFirst Minister [Surname]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first minister” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- first-ministerial talks
- a first-ministerial statement
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of government policy affecting business in devolved nations.
Academic
Used in political science, constitutional law, and modern history contexts discussing devolution.
Everyday
Used in news reports about politics in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Technical
A precise constitutional title within the UK's devolution settlement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “first minister”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “first minister”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first minister”
- Capitalising incorrectly ('first Minister'), using it interchangeably with 'Prime Minister' for sovereign states, omitting 'the' ('He is First Minister').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Prime Minister leads the UK government. The First Minister leads the devolved Scottish Government, which has powers over areas like health and education in Scotland.
It is unusual. Most fully independent countries use 'Prime Minister' or 'President'. 'First Minister' typically indicates a sub-national tier of government.
No. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have First Ministers. England does not have its own devolved government or First Minister.
They are typically the leader of the largest party in the devolved parliament (e.g., Scottish Parliament) and are formally appointed by the monarch (in the UK) on the parliament's nomination.
The head of government in a devolved administration within the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) or in some other countries with similar political structures.
First minister is usually formal, political, journalistic in register.
First minister: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈmɪn.ɪ.stər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɝːst ˈmɪn.ə.stɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “first among equals (related concept in cabinet government)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FIRST in command for a specific MINISTRY of a region, not the whole country.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CAPTAIN OF A REGIONAL SHIP (leading a vessel that is part of a larger fleet).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these political systems is the title 'First Minister' most commonly used today?