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
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Their firstborn son, Finnley Tate, age 10, survives, surrounded by loving family. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 Soon, Sigg was on the phone with Westminster Police, sharing with them the news that would upend her life –– and send her firstborn son to prison for the rest of his. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025 Lawrence stars as Grace, a writer struggling to write after having her firstborn son. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 The Washbergs were never going to accept a trailer-trash bride for their firstborn son, but for their gay son, any bride who wasn’t a groom would do. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 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

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Cite this Entry

“Firstborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firstborn. Accessed 31 Oct. 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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