Eldest

/ˈɛl.dɪst/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

The oldest in age, often used to refer to siblings.

She is the eldest of three children in her family.

Referring to the oldest generation in a family.

The eldest members of the family shared stories of their youth.

Used to describe the firstborn child.

As the eldest son, he felt a sense of responsibility for his younger siblings.

Old English 'eldesta', from 'ald', meaning 'old'.

the eldest son

refers to the firstborn son in a family.

eldest daughter

refers to the firstborn daughter in a family.

firstborn

the first child born to a set of parents.

senior

referring to someone who has a higher status or is older.