Eldest
/ˈɛldɪst/
Definitions
Being the oldest of a group of people or things.
/ˈɛldɪst/
Having lived or existed for the longest time; of the greatest age.
My eldest brother is a doctor.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of friends. The eldest is the one who's been around the longest, like the friend who's known all the inside jokes for years!
👶 For kids: The person or thing that's been around the longest, like the biggest kid in the family.
More Examples
She is the eldest of the three sisters.
The eldest tree in the forest is over 500 years old.
How It's Used
"The eldest child is often expected to set an example for their siblings."
"The eldest member of the village council opened the meeting."
Idioms & expressions
eldest son
The son who is the oldest in a family.
"The eldest son often inherits the family's estate."
the eldest child
The child who is the oldest in a family.
"As the eldest child, she often takes care of her younger siblings."
From Old English *ieldesta*, superlative of *eald* ('old').
The word 'eldest' has been used since Old English times to denote the highest rank or position in a lineage.
Memory tip
Think of the eldest sibling, who has the most years behind them.