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

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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

"Our eldest is the most severe. He's had anaphylaxis in the past," she said.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

The report described her eldest daughter, Isra Hirsi, pulling into the driveway after dark and carrying a bag into the house.

From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026

When told by the judge that the grandfather would become their guardian, the eldest child responded saying "that's all good".

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

While his two eldest sisters were away at boarding school, their mother, Frances, ran off with the man who would become her second husband.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

As one of the eldest of the boys in my group, I acted as a leader on the march to Kapoeta.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau

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Related Words

• earlier

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