firstborn

American  

[furst-bawrn] / ˈfɜrstˈbɔrn /

adjective

1. first in the order of birth; eldest.

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noun

• firstborns
  plural

1. a firstborn child.

2. a first result or product.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• firstborns
  plural

Etymology

Origin of firstborn

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at first, born

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

firstborn firstborns

The track finds mother and daughter writing to each other about their relationship, reconciling the effects Madonna’s fame had on her firstborn child.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

While Kim Ok did not bear any children, it appeared for a while that Kim's firstborn son with Sung Hae-rim, Kim Jong Nam, could have been considered.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026

The couple discovered their firstborn, Raegan, was deaf when she was 2 years old.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026

They moved into their home in 2018, on the same day she lost her firstborn son.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 7, 2026

"Gods, he's only a little boy, helpless, sleeping . . ." Catelyn gave her firstborn a challenging look.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Barely two years in, Maye’s the shiniest star in a merciless sports metropolis—and he’s one Sunday victory from all the local Bradys naming their future firstborns Drake.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 5, 2026

Indeed, firstborns are more likely to be perfectionists than younger siblings.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2021

Looking back on this photo of us with our firstborns, it makes me realize how much I took for granted the chance to spend time with friends.

From New York Times ● Apr. 24, 2020

The Capitals have 12 players who are fathers, with Nick Jensen and Nic Dowd expecting their firstborns soon.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 28, 2019

The lineage of Atlas extended in a grand succession of generations, and his kingdom was ruled in succession by the firstborns.

From History of the Incas by Sir Clements R. (Clements Robert) Markham