firstborn

adjective

first·​born ˈfərs(t)-ˈbȯrn How to pronounce firstborn (audio)
: first brought forth : eldest
firstborn noun

Examples of firstborn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway were made godparents to Frederik and Mary's firstborn son, Crown Prince Christian, when he was born in 2005, and the Norwegian royals attended his glam 18th birthday gala in Copenhagen in October 2023. Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024 To celebrate his firstborn son RZA’s second birthday Monday (May 13), the rapper posted a carousel of adorable photos on Instagram showing off his gorgeous family, featuring Rihanna and both of their young sons. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 May 2024 During a speech, Kandi had kind words to give to her firstborn on a day many parents are proud to witness. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 May 2024 Welker, 47, said, adding that her firstborn plans to name her brother Lolo. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024 In 1953, Gaston’s firstborn, François, arrives in Massachusetts on a Fulbright fellowship. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024 Jim’s firstborn, who uses they/them pronouns, has been open about their support for the LGBTQ+ community, occasionally sharing posts on their Instagram of themself attending Pride events. Alexandra Hurtado, Peoplemag, 2 May 2024 The baby was the firstborn of the current calving season, initially spotted with its mother, Juno — listed as #1612 — on Nov. 28. John Deem, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024 The duo later welcomed their firstborn son via surrogate on Jan. 16, 2023. Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firstborn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firstborn was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near firstborn

Cite this Entry

“Firstborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firstborn. Accessed 19 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

firstborn

adjective
first·​born ˈfərs(t)-ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce firstborn (audio)
: born first : eldest
firstborn noun

More from Merriam-Webster on firstborn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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