eldest

First among siblings

Eldest means oldest among a group, typically siblings: the eldest of four children, my eldest daughter.

Unlike older, which compares two, eldest usually implies three or more.

The word is somewhat formal; oldest serves the same function in casual speech.

Eldest can also describe the senior member of any group: the eldest statesman in the room.

sibling

firstborn

First child born

olderMore advanced in age
brotherMale with shared parents
sisterFemale sibling

sibling · birth order · middle child · youngest · family · kinship · twins · triplets · offspring · progeny

inheritance

heir

One who receives legacy

primogenitureEldest inherits all
birthrightEntitlement from origin
successionFollowing in order

estate · entailment · patrimony · legacy · bequest · lineage · dynasty · aristocracy · nobility · throne

seniority

senior

Higher in rank

veteranExperienced former soldier
agedAdvanced in years
oldestGreatest in age

ranking · precedence · hierarchy · foremost · first · primary · superior · leading · chief · head

lineage

ancestor

Predecessor in lineage

forebearAncestral family member
progenitorAncestor or originator
patriarchMale head of family

matriarch · genealogy · descent · heritage · bloodline · ancestry · forefather · foremother · clan · tribe

responsibility

caretaker

One who maintains property

guardianProtective caretaker of another
protectorOne who safeguards others
role modelPerson others emulate

mentor · provider · duty · obligation · burden · sacrifice · expectation · maturity · leadership · authority

Categories

familymother, father, parents, siblings, parent
family termsparents, nuclear family, mothers, extended family, fathers
relativesmother, father, sister, brother, aunt
age termsyoung, old, older, younger, youngest
household membersmom, mother, dad, father, son
offspringchild, baby, son, daughter, kids

Opposites

birth order/age rank among siblings

Least old

last-born · youngest child · baby · littlest · baby of the family

Phrases

community elderRevered senior community member
the elderlyAged members of society
elder careAssistance for seniors
eldest sonOldest male offspring
eldest childOldest among siblings
village eldersSenior community authorities

Family

elder, elderly, elders, elderberry, eldercare, elderliness, elderberries, eldership

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G