firstling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Archaic, Biblical, Specialized (agriculture/zoology)
Quick answer
What does “firstling” mean?
The first product or result of something, especially the first offspring of an animal in a season.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first product or result of something, especially the first offspring of an animal in a season.
The first of a kind; the earliest or initial example of something, often implying a prototype or forerunner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, strongly associated with Biblical language (e.g., 'the firstling of the flock') and archaic literary use.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts due to the influence of the King James Bible and historical texts, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “firstling” in a Sentence
the firstling of [NOUN PHRASE]offer/sacrifice the firstling[POSSESSIVE] firstlingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “firstling” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The firstling lamb was marked for the traditional offering.
- She cherished her firstling novel, despite its flaws.
American English
- The firstling calf of the season was always the hardiest.
- His firstling attempt at a screenplay was surprisingly polished.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, found in historical, theological, or literary studies discussing ancient practices or texts.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary everyday conversation.
Technical
Specialized use in historical agriculture or animal husbandry contexts to denote the first young animal of a season.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “firstling”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “firstling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “firstling”
- Using it to mean 'firstly' or 'at first'.
- Using it in contemporary contexts where 'first one' or 'first attempt' would be natural.
- Applying it to humans in non-literary contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'firstling' can technically mean 'first offspring', it is archaic and not used for humans in modern English. Use 'firstborn' instead.
No, it is very rare. You will most likely encounter it in older literary works, religious texts (like the King James Bible), or in very specific historical writing.
They are closely related. 'Firstling' specifically refers to the first *offspring* of an animal. 'First fruits' refers to the first agricultural harvest. Both were often offered in rituals.
No, 'firstling' is only a noun (and can function attributively as an adjective, e.g., 'firstling lamb'). There is no verb form 'to firstle'.
The first product or result of something, especially the first offspring of an animal in a season.
Firstling is usually literary, archaic, biblical, specialized (agriculture/zoology) in register.
Firstling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɜːstlɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɜːrstlɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The FIRST offspriLING' – the first little one to arrive.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNINGS ARE FIRST OFFSPRING (e.g., 'the firstling of his artistic efforts').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'firstling' MOST appropriately used today?