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first family

American  

noun

  1. a family having the highest or one of the highest social ranks in a given place.

  2. (often initial capital letters) the family of the president of the U.S. or the family of the governor of a state.

  3. a family descended from a colonist or early settler in a country, region, etc..

    one of the first families of Virginia.


Etymology

Origin of first family

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The first family has made crypto a particular focus, and the president has also advanced policies to lighten regulation of the emerging sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Prince Harry, his wife Meghan and two children will stay at royal residences during their first family trip back to the UK in four years in July, a source familiar with the matter said Saturday.

From Barron's • Jun. 27, 2026

Still, after nearly nine months of parenthood, my husband and I were going stir crazy and decided we were ready for our first family vacation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

DIY Dad, as he is known online, started making videos while renovating his first family home in Ipswich, creating a series called Dad Showed Me.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

“What do you know about that! I didn’t suppose they’d ever do a thing like that, friend or no friend. They’re the first family around here, you know. Proud as peacocks, all of ’em.

From "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit

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