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

She will be the latest member of his family to transition into the contemporary world—last year, Salim allowed his eldest son to join Tanzania’s military, a move once unheard of in Hadzabe culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

She traces her relationship with making clothes back to being the eldest child of a seamstress.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

He is tied with Bolsonaro's eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, in opinion polls ahead of the election.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The Samsung founder's eldest son always thought he would lead the business one day but he was overlooked in the first succession in favour of the youngest brother.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

“The third eldest liked a little of everything, so I made sure nothing escaped his interest.”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Related Words

• earlier