Showing results for "eldest"

• superlative of old.

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

See Examples For:

eldest

The volunteer found Arlene’s eldest daughter, Dayna Zoller, now a dentist in New Jersey.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Elsesser’s first life-altering experience came when he was 5 and witnessed his father grappling with the tragedy of losing his eldest son.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026

Everything is intended to go to my eldest grandson, who is unable to manage his finances because of severe mental illness.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026

Brian Conley said winning the series was "amazing", but wished his eldest daughter Amy and wife Anne-Marie could have also been there to experience it with them.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026

They were now the property of the eldest son by Leon’s second marriage and installed in a castle somewhere in the Scottish Highlands.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• earlier