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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Addison’s mom was shocked to learn her newborn — her firstborn — was in the middle of a life-or-death situation. Eryn Mathewson, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025 In an interview with People published Tuesday (April 22) — the same day the businesswoman’s new memoir, Matriarch, hit shelves — Knowles opened up about how widespread rumors Bey faked her pregnancy with firstborn Blue Ivy in 2011 marred the experience for the entire family. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025 Think of new parents strapping their firstborn into the car seat for the ride home from the hospital. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 May 2025 According to her memoir, Rosanne chose the middle name Rivers for her firstborn daughter in honor of her paternal grandmother, Carrie Cloveree, whose maiden name was Rivers. Katie Mannion, People.com, 13 Apr. 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 1 Jun. 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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