on a first-come, first-served basis

idiom

: in the order of arrival of people or requests
People are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis

Dictionary Entries Near on a first-come, first-served basis

on a diet

on a first-come, first-served basis

on a first-name basis

Cite this Entry

“On a first-come, first-served basis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20a%20first-come%2C%20first-served%20basis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!