front row

English

Noun

front row (plural front rows)

1. In an auditorium or sports venue, the line of side-by-side seats closest to the stage, playing field, or other location where the activity of interest is occurring.
   • 2017 October 2, Jess Cartner-Morle, “Stella McCartney lays waste to disposable fashion in Paris”, in the Guardian‎:

     The double-breasted blazer which is on every front row this season came with an elbow-length sleeve for spring, while jumpsuits, a signature of the label, came slinky and tailored or in a blowsier boiler suit silhouette.

2. (British, rugby) The row of players who participate in a scrum with direct contact with the opposing scrum.
3. (figurative) The forefront; a situation where one is exposed to the latest developments.
4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see front,‎ row.

Derived terms

• in the front row

See also

• hooker
• loosehead
• prop
• tighthead