ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eldest

n.
US //ˈɛɫdəst// UK //ˈɛldəst// el·dest
  1. 1 the first-born person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the child who was born first in a family.

    the individual possessing the greatest seniority by birth within a family unit.

    Example

    As the eldest, she often had to look after her younger brothers.

    Example

    The inheritance was traditionally reserved for the eldest, a custom that frequently created friction among the younger siblings.

    Usage

    Often functions as a substantive noun preceded by 'the'.

    • first born

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