primogeniture
noun
Did you know?
In many civilizations, past and present, the state of being the oldest among siblings is a key component of inheritance law. Primogeniture, which first appeared in English in the early 17th century, derives from the Late Latin prīmogenitūra, which itself comes from prīmogenitus, meaning "firstborn," a combination of the Latin prīmus ("first, earliest") and genitus ("birth"), from the past participle of gignere ("to beget"). For those who are youngest in birth order, a similar word applies—ultimogeniture—but this word is newer (first appearing in English in the late 19th century) and much less common.
Examples of primogeniture in a Sentence
Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024
Succession to the Luxembourgish throne has been governed by absolute primogeniture among the descendants of Grand Duke Henri since 2011.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 9 July 2024
Absolute primogeniture — the right to rule regardless of gender — was not constitutionally adopted in Norway until 1990.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 2 July 2024
In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Viserys upended the Seven Kingdoms' custom of male primogeniture by naming Rhaenyra his heir after his first wife, Aemma (Sian Brooke), died while giving birth to their son, Baelon.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for primogeniture 
Articles Related to primogeniture
Dictionary Entries Near primogeniture
Cite this Entry
“Primogeniture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primogeniture. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
primogeniture
noun
Share