first-born

The first-born child helps set the table for dinner.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The eldest child in a family: "first-born" refers to the child who is born first among siblings.
   • The initial offspring of a parent: In a broader sense, it can refer to the first offspring produced by any biological parent.

2. Adjective:

   • Being the eldest child: Describes a person or thing that is the first in order of birth within a family or group.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • As the first-born, she often felt responsible for her younger siblings. (The eldest child in the family.)
  • The first-born of the litter was the strongest puppy. (The initial offspring of an animal.)

• Adjective:

  • Their first-born son was named after his grandfather. (The eldest male child.)
  • The first-born daughter inherited the family estate. (The eldest female child.)

Advanced Usage

• "the first-born of Egypt": A biblical reference to the eldest sons in Egypt who died during the tenth plague.

  • The story of the first-born of Egypt is told in the Book of Exodus. (A specific historical or religious event.)

• "first-born rights": Traditional privileges or inheritance rights associated with being the eldest child.

  • In many cultures, first-born rights include inheriting the family title. (Legal or customary entitlements.)

Variants and Related Words

• Firstborn (adj, n): An alternative spelling of "first-born," used interchangeably.

  • The firstborn child often receives special treatment. (Same meaning as first-born.)

• First-birth (n): The act or event of giving birth for the first time.

  • Her first-birth was a difficult experience. (The initial childbirth.)

Synonyms

• Eldest: the oldest among siblings.
  • She is the eldest of three children. (The first-born in age.)
• Primogeniture: the state of being the first-born child, especially in legal contexts of inheritance.
  • Primogeniture laws favored the first-born son. (The condition of being first-born.)

Related Idioms

• First-born of the family: used to emphasize the eldest child's role or status.

  • He was treated as the first-born of the family, with all the associated responsibilities. (The eldest child in a household.)

• As the first-born: a phrase indicating the position of being the eldest.

  • As the first-born, she had to set an example for her siblings. (In the role of the eldest child.)