eldest

word · lemma: old

Definition

Used to describe the one who is oldest among siblings or children in a family. It usually refers to the firstborn.

Usage & Nuances

More formal than 'oldest', and mostly used for people within families (siblings or children). Rarely used outside family contexts. Not used for things or animals.

Spanish: mayor (hijo/a/hermano/a)Portuguese (BR): mais velho (filho/irmão)Portuguese (PT): mais velho (filho/irmão)Chinese (Simplified): 最长的（子女/兄弟姐妹）Chinese (Traditional): 最長的（子女/兄弟姐妹）Hindi: सबसे बड़ा (संतान/भाई-बहन)Arabic: الأكبر (ابن/ابنة/أخ/أخت)Bengali: বড় - শ্রেষ্ঠ সন্তান Russian: старший - самый старший Japanese: 長子 - 最年長 Vietnamese: con cả - con trưởng Korean: 맏이 - 첫째 Turkish: en büyük (kardeş için) - en büyük çocuk Urdu: سب سے بڑا (بیٹا/بیٹی)Indonesian: anak sulung - paling tua

Example Sentences

My eldest brother lives in Canada.

basic

She is the eldest of three sisters.

basic

Their eldest child just finished college.

basic

As the eldest, he had to take care of his siblings when their parents were away.

natural

People often expect the eldest to be more responsible.

natural

Is Anna your eldest or do you have an older child?

natural