first aid

noun

: emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained

Examples of first aid in a Sentence

She gave him first aid for his sprained ankle.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While basic first aid can often ease the pain of a bee sting, according to the Mayo Clinic, those who are stung more than a dozen times can experience a more severe reaction, which includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and lightheadedness. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Courses include basic first aid, emergency-shelter logistics, and how to fly a drone to deliver a vial of insulin or assess and report damage to key infrastructure. Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025 Volunteers from Naushon Trust administered first aid to the survivors, and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew from Air Station Cape Cod transported them to Cape Cod Hospital for care. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 Always be prepared for minor emergencies by keeping a first aid kit in your car. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first aid

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first aid was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First aid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20aid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

first aid

noun
: emergency treatment given to an ill or injured person

Medical Definition

first aid

noun
: emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained

More from Merriam-Webster on first aid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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