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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
A lot of people have seen when my daughter was firstborn. Brendan Le, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024 The same applies to the couple’s firstborn, Mark, a divinity student turned lawyer who has lost his faith in both callings. Jesse Green, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024 Compounded by the trauma surrounding their conception, Tate and his brother were raised by their great-grandmother in Los Angeles, California, who was adamant that Tate was the firstborn. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 Five months ago, David’s grandson, Zach, and his wife, Kendall, welcomed their son, Bruce, who looks to be the firstborn in Highview Farms’ fourth generation of farmers. Brennan Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for firstborn 

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 2 Jan. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!