firstling

American  

[furst-ling] / ˈfɜrst lɪŋ /

noun

1. the first of its kind to be produced or to appear.

2. first offspring.

3. a first product or result.

---

firstling British  

/ ˈfɜːstlɪŋ /

noun

1. the first, esp the first offspring

---

Etymology

Origin of firstling

First recorded in 1525–35; first + -ling ¹

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

firstling

More important than a firstling mother's age is her general health, the normality of her construction.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then the scholar we are describing, the neglecter rather than the inspector of books, stuffs his volume with firstling violets, roses, and quadrifoils.

From The Book-Hunter A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author by John Hill Burton

When the firstling of the sheep was born, Aaron appeared and demanded it, for the firstborn belongs to the priest.

From The Legends of the Jews — Volume 3 by Paul Radin

Such is thy mother, O firstling, yet strong as the maidens of old, Whose spears and whose swords were the warders of homestead, of field, and of fold.

From Poems By The Way & Love Is Enough by William Morris

It was a glorious day, the firstling of the summer.

From The History of David Grieve by Mrs. Humphry Ward

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---