Firstborn vs. Primogeniture — What's the Difference?

A firstborn (also known as an eldest child or sometimes firstling) is the first child born to in the birth order of a couple through childbirth. Historically, the role of the firstborn child has been socially significant, particularly for a firstborn son in patriarchal societies.

Primogeniture ( also ) is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn legitimate child to inherit the parent's entire or main estate in preference to shared inheritance among all or some children, any illegitimate child or any collateral relative. In most contexts it means the inheritance of the firstborn son (agnatic primogeniture); it can also mean by the firstborn daughter (matrilineal primogeniture).

First in order of birth; born first.

The state of being the firstborn or eldest child of the same parents.

The child in a family who is born first.

(Law) The right of the eldest child, especially the eldest son, to inherit the entire estate of one or both parents.

The first child to be born to a parent or family.

The state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents.

Born as the first one in a family, flock or the like.

The principle that the eldest child, traditionally the eldest male, has an exclusive right of inheritance.

Most excellent; most distinguished or exalted.

(countable) An instance of such a right of inheritance, established by custom or law.

The first child born to a parent; as, his firstborn was showered with gifts from relatives.

The state of being the firstborn of the same parents; seniority by birth among children of the same family.

First brought forth; first in the order of birth; eldest; hence, most excellent; most distinguished or exalted; as, the firstborn child.

The exclusive right of inheritance which belongs to the eldest son. Thus in England the right of inheriting the estate of the father belongs to the eldest son, and in the royal family the eldest son of the sovereign is entitled to the throne by primogeniture. In exceptional cases, among the female children, the crown descends by right of primogeniture to the eldest daughter only and her issue.

The offspring who came first in the order of birth

Right of inheritance belongs exclusively to the eldest son

First in order of birth;