first quarter

• 指财务或日历年的前三个月，也指月相中新月之后可见表面一半被照亮的阶段。

A term referring to the first three months of a fiscal or calendar year, or the phase of the moon when half of its visible surface is illuminated after the new moon.

1. Lunar phaseB2formal

   The phase of the moon when it is half-illuminated, occurring about one week after the new moon.

   上弦月

   • The first quarter moon is visible in the afternoon and evening sky.
   • We observed the first quarter through a telescope.
   • The first quarter marks the halfway point between new moon and full moon.

2. Financial periodB2formal

   The first three-month period of a company's fiscal year.

   第一季度

   • The company reported strong sales in the first quarter.
   • Investors are waiting for the first quarter earnings report.
   • Our first quarter profits exceeded expectations.

3. Sports periodA2informalamerican

   The first of four equal periods of play in certain sports, such as basketball or American football.

   第一节

   • The team scored 20 points in the first quarter.
   • He made a great play in the first quarter.
   • The first quarter ended with a tie score.