firstborn: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, literary, religious, historical
Quick answer
What does “firstborn” mean?
A person's oldest child.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person's oldest child; the first child to be born to someone.
Can refer to the first and therefore most senior or significant offspring in a family, lineage, or group. In historical and biblical contexts, the firstborn held special rights and responsibilities (primogeniture). It can also be used figuratively for the first or most important product, creation, or result of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in religious or formal contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Both share connotations of tradition, lineage, and historical significance. In everyday use, it can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects. The hyphenated form 'first-born' is an accepted variant, though 'firstborn' (one word) is now more standard.
Grammar
How to Use “firstborn” in a Sentence
[possessive] + firstbornthe + firstborn + of + [family/group][adjective] + firstbornVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “firstborn” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The title and estate passed traditionally to the firstborn.
- She doted on her firstborn, a daughter named Eleanor.
- In the story, the firstborn was tasked with a heavy responsibility.
American English
- Their firstborn just started college.
- The ranch will go to the firstborn, as per the will.
- He felt the unique pressure often placed on a firstborn.
adjective
British English
- Their firstborn son was christened in the village church.
- She discussed the firstborn heir's legal position.
American English
- They saved the firstborn baby's hospital bracelet.
- The firstborn daughter typically got the heirloom necklace.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'This project is the company's firstborn innovation.'
Academic
Common in historical, anthropological, theological, and literary studies discussing family structures, inheritance laws, or biblical narratives.
Everyday
Used formally to announce or describe one's first child. 'We're excited for the arrival of our firstborn.'
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields. Used in specific genealogical or heraldic contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “firstborn”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “firstborn”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “firstborn”
- Using 'firstborn' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'She has firstborn').
- Confusing 'firstborn' with 'firstborns' for plural (both 'firstborns' and 'firstborn' as plural are accepted, but 'firstborn children' is clearer).
- Overusing in informal speech where 'oldest' or 'first' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for humans, but it can be used for animals (especially in breeding contexts, e.g., 'the mare's firstborn foal') or figuratively for ideas and creations.
They are often synonyms. 'Firstborn' explicitly references the fact of being born first. 'Eldest' references age and can be used even if the precise birth order isn't the focus. 'Firstborn' is slightly more formal/literary.
Both 'firstborns' and using 'firstborn' as a plural are acceptable (e.g., 'All three firstborns gathered' or 'The firstborn of each family'). For clarity, 'firstborn children' is often best.
No. Modern dictionaries list 'firstborn' as one word. The hyphenated form 'first-born' is an older variant that is still correct but less common today.
A person's oldest child.
Firstborn is usually formal, literary, religious, historical in register.
Firstborn: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɜːst.bɔːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɜːrst.bɔːrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the firstborn's birthright”
- “to sacrifice the firstborn (figurative/literary)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FIRST' place in the race to be 'BORN'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIORITY IS BEING BORN FIRST (The first created thing is the most important or original). LINEAGE IS A CHRONOLOGICAL LIST (The order of birth determines status).
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'the firstborn of modern computing' most likely refers to: