# firstborn

/ˈfɝstˈbɔɹn/ (US) · /fˈɜːstbɔːn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/firstborn
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the oldest child in a family. This person often gets special attention or has a different role in the family than their younger siblings.

For teachers: the eldest child in a family. Often carries cultural or psychological significance, particularly in terms of inheritance, parental expectations, or birth order theory.

## Examples

- The firstborn usually gets the best room in the house.
- In many traditional cultures, the firstborn is expected to take on significant family responsibilities from a young age.
- Psychologists have long debated whether the firstborn is more likely to be high-achieving due to the intense focus of their parents or if the pressure of being the eldest leads to anxiety and perfectionism.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.