eldest

el-dest · adjective/noun

imported

Definitions

adjective/noun

  1. 1.

    (Of a person) oldest; the first-born or oldest surviving member of a family.

  2. 2.

    The oldest member of a group, especially a family.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    eldest child — the firstborn in a family
  • •
    eldest son/daughter — the oldest male/female child

Related words

Antonyms: youngest
See also: elder, firstborn, oldest
Synonyms: firstborn, oldest

Etymology

From Old English ieldest, superlative of eald ("old"). Related to elder (comparative).