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

The actor is best known for starring as Brad Taylor in “Home Improvement,” the eldest child of the show’s core family.

From Los Angeles Times

The eldest of seven children born to a prospector-turned-rancher, Jeannette dug ditches, raised barns and split wood alongside the ranch hands.

From The Wall Street Journal

Christopher Marlowe truthers aside, William Shakespeare was an actual person who, historical records concur, married a pregnant woman eight years his senior and had three kids: Susanna, the eldest, and twins Judith and Hamnet.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple said they bought the house for their eldest daughter, who is a huge fan of the show, but while she finishes her studies they will use it as a holiday rental.

From BBC

Her eldest, Zoe, who is now 21, moved back home when she was 18 and currently lives in her own apartment and sees her mum regularly.

From BBC

Related Words

• earlier