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firstborn

noun

The oldest child in a family; the one born before any brothers or sisters.

Example sentences

  • “As the firstborn, she often looked after her younger brothers.”
  • “Their firstborn arrived just two weeks after they moved into the new house.”

Slightly formal or biblical in flavor; in conversation people usually say 'oldest child'. Often used with a possessive: 'their firstborn'.

Synonyms for firstborn

  • eldest
  • oldest child

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