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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Grace Graham, 21 Graham and Walters welcomed their firstborn, a daughter named Grace, in 2005. Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 The two, who married in 2012, welcomed their firstborn son, Silas, in April 2015. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026 Scott’s firstborn, Ford, is a nickname. Leigh Scheps, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025 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 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 17 Jan. 2026.

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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