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.
In 1985, Lee’s firstborn, then a preschooler, died in a traffic accident. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Those moments with their firstborn will be forever cherished. — Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 His steady hand has been shaken by the tragic death of his firstborn daughter. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 With that said, Woody gushed about his firstborn in a 2008 interview with Esquire. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for firstborn

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Browse Nearby Words

first border
firstborn
first bottom
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Cite this Entry

“Firstborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firstborn. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about firstborn

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