eldest

American  

[el-dist] / ˈɛl dɪst /

adjective

1. oldest; firstborn; of greatest age: eldest sister;

   eldest brother;

   eldest sister;

   eldest born.

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eldest British  

/ ˈɛldɪst /

adjective

1. being the oldest, esp the oldest surviving child of the same parents

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Etymology

Origin of eldest

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English eldesta, superlative of eald, ald; old

Example Sentences

Sunday’s episode, “Connor’s Wedding,” doesn’t show any signs of Logan slowing down, including to honor his eldest son’s nuptials.

From Salon

Jim Clark, her eldest son, said he was "totally taken aback" to hear about North Orchard Street.

From BBC

The eldest asked about prison and whether the doors are locked and the keys are strong, she says.

From BBC

She joined the fight in September 2021 when, she notes, she was already a mother, her eldest child just five years old.

From BBC

Buster is Sir David's nickname for his eldest son, and the former footballer has it tattooed on his neck.

From BBC

Related Words

• earlier