firstborn

adjective

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web On Wednesday, the Daily Mirror reported that 22 intimate photographs featuring the former Prince and Princess of Wales and their firstborn son will be sold at Willingham Auctions in Cambridgeshire, England next month. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2023 The performance was Rihanna's first performance in over 7 years since the release of her last full length studio album, Anti and since becoming a mother to her firstborn son last year. Bianca Betancourt, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Feb. 2023 King Wiemann shares his first name with his father, who insisted that the tradition when he was born was to name the firstborn son with the mother’s maiden name. John Kelly, Washington Post, 27 Nov. 2022 The findings also pointed to delayed communication skills among firstborn children who turned 1 in 2020. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2022 Back in September, McCain celebrated firstborn child Liberty on National Daughter's Day, just ahead of the toddler's second birthday. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 21 Jan. 2023 The book’s title references the concept of a firstborn royal child being in line to inherit the throne, while subsequent children represent merely backups should something happen to the eldest. Time, 5 Jan. 2023 So the infant boy must have been the firstborn son of one of the counts. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2023 Stanley, meanwhile, had started a family with his new wife — leaving his firstborn son stinging with rejection. Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firstborn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 25 Mar. 2023.

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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