first-quarter

UK: ˌfɜːst ˈkwɔːtə | US: ˌfɜːrst ˈkwɔːrtər

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or occurring in the first quarter of a year, fiscal period, or lunar phase

  2. n. the first quarter of a year, fiscal period, or lunar phase

Structure
first <initial>quarter <fourth part>
Etymology

The word combines "first," derived from Old English fyrst (foremost in time/rank), and "quarter," from Latin quartarius (a fourth part). Together, they denote the initial segment of a four-part division, originally applied to lunar phases and later extended to fiscal/calendar periods. The hyphenated form emerged in the 19th century to function as a compound adjective.

Examples

  1. The company's first-quarter profits exceeded expectations.

  2. We will review the first-quarter results in April.

  3. The moon was bright during the first-quarter phase.

  4. First-quarter sales showed a 10% growth compared to last year.

  5. The report covers all first-quarter expenses.