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.
Jones had to call her mom and break the news that her firstborn child had cancer at just 24 years old. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, 37 Caroline and Edwin welcomed their firstborn daughter, Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, on June 25, 1988. Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025 Joel's firstborn daughter, Alexa Ray, is now 39 years old. Sari Hitchins, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025 He’s been home recovering since Oct. 6, and has been reunited with his firstborn son, who was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit at Texas Health Resources in Alliance after over 100 days. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Firstborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firstborn. Accessed 17 Dec. 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!