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; see old

Explanation

Someone who's described as eldest in their family was born first. Your eldest sister is the oldest one. Use the adjective eldest when you're describing people in terms of birth order: the oldest is the eldest. Your eldest friend is older than your other friends. You can also use the word as a noun, meaning "firstborn." Your mom might introduce you by saying, "This is my eldest." It's a somewhat formal, old fashioned word, much less popular today than "oldest."

Example Sentences

Meagan, his eldest daughter, studied agricultural science and worked for him, as did her husband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

His eldest brother, singer-playwright Paavalar Varadharajan, performed at Communist Party events in the 1950s, when the party wielded significant influence in the region.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

There was also tragedy in their family life -- in 2016 their eldest daughter, Laurence, died aged 58, after a heart attack and having suffered with anorexia since 1974.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

And there may be more good news on the way for the president’s eldest son.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

“It’s too dangerous!” said the middle sister to the eldest, even though she knew it was no use.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Related Words

• earlier