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.
Think of new parents strapping their firstborn into the car seat for the ride home from the hospital. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 May 2025 According to her memoir, Rosanne chose the middle name Rivers for her firstborn daughter in honor of her paternal grandmother, Carrie Cloveree, whose maiden name was Rivers. Katie Mannion, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 In a perverse sense, my partner and I were lucky: our firstborn arrived in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025 The meetup is admittedly bittersweet for Catelynn and husband Tyler Baltierra, who placed their firstborn daughter, Carly, for adoption during that journey. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Firstborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firstborn. Accessed 21 May. 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

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