first shift

English

Noun

first shift (plural first shifts)

1. A regularly scheduled period of work, being the first one in the standard working day of any particular company: usually during the day; often the first of three (with 24/3 = 8 hours long), and often from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; sometimes the first of two, and sometimes with other time values.

   Coordinate terms: second shift, third shift; (usually antonymous) night shift, graveyard shift; swing shift

   Near-synonym: day shift (often synonymous)

2. A group of workers who work during this time slot.

   Coordinate terms: second shift, third shift; (usually antonymous) night shift, graveyard shift; swing shift

   Near-synonym: day shift (often synonymous)

See also

• shiftwork