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Glite Dictionary
first-time caller

first-time caller

4 3.7
A person who calls a radio or TV show for the first time
  • noun
translation icon : primer oyente
  • I look forward to speaking with you, and there are first-time callers and brilliant callers that reach into my head and tug on the chord that is attached to all of my delusions.
  • first-time caller and listener

Hi Viti, long time listener, first time caller.

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Examples

  • Long-time reader, first-time caller...

    15 Till Midnight (2010)

  • Hello everyone! I'm a first-time caller and I'm excited to share my thoughts.

  • Andrew, first-time caller from Stockton.

    Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

  • A longtime listener, first-time caller, as they say in your country.

    Gemini Man (2019)

  • I'm a first-time caller.

    Like Father Like Son (1987)

  • The company also offers first-time callers $500 off fully insured, A-rated vehicle service contracts (extended auto warranties).

    Blog text (27)

  • As a first-time caller, I was a bit nervous, but the hosts made me feel welcome.

  • This is my first time participating as a first-time caller on the radio show.

Surface Forms

first-time caller singular
first-time callers plural

Morphology

first-time + caller

The meaning 'a person calling for the first time' is directly and transparently built from 'first-time' (occurring for the first time) modifying 'caller' (one who makes a call). This is a regular adjective+noun compound following common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The phrase first-time caller gives a clear image: a nervous caller calling into a radio or TV show for the first time, being welcomed by the host. So, it means 'a person who is calling a radio or television show for the first time'.