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.

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firstling British  

/ ˈfɜːstlɪŋ /

noun

1. the first, esp the first offspring

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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 snatch'd Meriones in haste the bow From Teucer's hand; his own already held His arrow, pointed straight; he drew the string, And to the far-destroying King he vow'd Of firstling lambs a solemn hecatomb.

From The Iliad by Derby, Edward George Geoffrey Smith Stanley, Earl of

Many a firstling of verse found its way to her, inscribed with reverent or loving words by the author.

From Julia Ward Howe 1819-1910 by Elliott, Maud Howe

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

From The History of David Grieve by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

Abel saw in it only a "firstling of his flock."

From Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel and Selections from his Writings by Graham, Robert