first run: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in business, technical, and media contexts.
Quick answer
What does “first run” mean?
the initial performance, operation, or production of something, often suggesting it is a test or prototype.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the initial performance, operation, or production of something, often suggesting it is a test or prototype.
A period, event, or instance of something being done for the first time, such as the first showing of a film in cinemas, the first batch of a manufactured product, or the initial execution of a process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. In film/theatre, both use 'first run' to describe initial exhibition.
Connotations
In business/tech, slightly stronger connotation of a prototype or beta version in AmE.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American business and manufacturing jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “first run” in a Sentence
The [PRODUCT] had a successful first run.We are preparing for the first run of the [MACHINE/SOFTWARE].The film is in its first run.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “first run” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'First-run' is not commonly used as a verb.
American English
- 'First-run' is not commonly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- 'First-run' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'First-run' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- It's a first-run printing of the novel.
- The film is only showing in first-run cinemas.
American English
- We identified a bug in the first-run software.
- It's a first-run edition of the collector's magazine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the initial manufacturing batch or pilot service launch.
Academic
Used in engineering or process descriptions for initial trials.
Everyday
Common when discussing films ('Is it still in its first run?') or new product trials.
Technical
The initial execution of a software script, machine cycle, or production line.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “first run”
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'We will first run the test' is a different structure). Confusing with 'test run' (which is purely for testing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words, though hyphenated as 'first-run' when used attributively (e.g., 'first-run cinema').
A 'first run' is the genuine initial production or performance. A 'test run' is a trial conducted before the official start, often to check functionality.
Yes, it commonly refers to the initial execution of a program, script, or installation sequence (e.g., 'on first run, the app asks for permissions').
It is more common in specific contexts like business, manufacturing, or film. In casual talk, people might simply say 'the first time' or 'the debut'.
the initial performance, operation, or production of something, often suggesting it is a test or prototype.
First run is usually neutral to formal; common in business, technical, and media contexts. in register.
First run: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈrʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈrʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's just a first run (it's not the final version).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'first run' like a runner's first race — it's the debut performance.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRODUCTION IS A JOURNEY (the first leg of the journey).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'first run' LEAST likely to be used?