Word noun
eldest
n.
US /ˈɛɫdəst/ UK /ˈɛldəst/ el·dest
Definition
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the child who was born first in a family.
the individual possessing the greatest seniority by birth within a family unit.
Simple“As the eldest, she often had to look after her younger brothers.”
In context“The inheritance was traditionally reserved for the eldest, a custom that frequently created friction among the younger siblings.”
UsageOften functions as a substantive noun preceded by 'the'.
Synonymsfirst bornAntonyms
Usage eldest son
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated