# foremost

/ˈfɔɹˌmoʊst/ (US) · /fˈɔːməʊst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/foremost
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. most important

adjective · CEFR B2

the most important, famous, or successful person or thing in a particular area.

For teachers: of the highest rank, importance, or reputation within a specific field or group.

- She is considered the foremost expert on climate change in the country.
- As the foremost authority on Renaissance architecture, his endorsement of the restoration project was essential for securing government funding.

### 2. physically at the front

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

the part of something that is furthest forward.

For teachers: positioned at the very front in terms of physical space.

- The foremost soldiers in the parade carried the ceremonial flags.
- The foremost section of the vessel sustained the most damage during the collision with the pier.

### 3. nautical

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

the part of a ship that is closest to the front (the bow).

For teachers: situated at or closest to the bow of a ship.

- The sailors gathered on the foremost deck to watch for land.
- The foremost mast was reinforced with steel cables to withstand the gale-force winds expected during the Atlantic crossing.

Usage: Commonly used in maritime contexts to describe structural parts of a ship.

### 4. most importantly

adverb · CEFR B2

used to highlight the most important point, usually in the phrase 'first and foremost'.

For teachers: in the first or most prominent place; primarily used within the fixed idiomatic expression 'first and foremost'.

- He is a teacher first and foremost, even though he also writes books.
- The charity's mission is, first and foremost, to provide clean drinking water to displaced families in the region.

## Examples

- She is the foremost expert on climate change.
- The university is widely considered the foremost institution for medical research in the country.
- As the foremost authority on Renaissance art, his endorsement of the painting's authenticity was enough to settle the debate among collectors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.