# FETCH FIRST

A standard clause limiting a query result to its first specified number of rows.

## What is **FETCH FIRST** in a relational database?

**FETCH FIRST** — A standard clause limiting a query result to its first specified number of rows.

```sql
SELECT order_id, ordered_on
FROM purchase_order
ORDER BY ordered_on DESC
FETCH FIRST 10 ROWS ONLY;
```

Level: Apprentice · [More Database terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/database/apprentice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/fetch-first