old-timer

noun

ˈōl(d)-ˈtī-mər How to pronounce old-timer (audio)
Definition of old-timernext
1
as in elder
a person of advanced years a group of old-timers playing shuffleboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in veteran
a person with long experience in a specified area old-timers in the fishing industry couldn't remember a time when catches were so low

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of old-timer The old-timers try to stay in touch. — Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 For every grousing old-timer who felt that Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was contaminating the genre came another who expressed sheer joy that such a show even existed. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Some bargain hunters poked around, while a handful of old-timers walked the halls for exercise. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 Another shuts a door on an old-timer in the middle of his menacing monologue about an apocalyptic storm. — Alison Herman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-timer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-timer
  1. elder
  2. veteran
  3. oldster
  4. adult
  5. geriatric
  6. ancient
Noun
  • After four days, Ayesha says her family secured her release with the help of community elders, paying a ransom, and providing a formal guarantee of her future conduct.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
  • On Tuesday, the San Diego County district attorney’s office announced its decision to pursue capital punishment against Leticia McCormack, who was an ordained elder and youth minister at a San Diego church.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of elder
Noun
  • The 30-year veteran firefighter was battling pancreatic cancer.
    — Ginger Allen, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As for music, expect a broad menu of noisemakers with national, regional and local buzz, programmed by co-organizer and veteran music promoter Steev Rullman of PureHoney Magazine and Bumblefest fame.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of veteran
Noun
  • Enough with the oldsters, what about those kids?
    — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
  • With each passing day, its oldster cast — including Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis — is closer to the grave.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of oldster
Noun
  • Estimates suggest that around 20% of US adults show disc degeneration by age 65.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The teen will be charged as an adult designated, meaning that if convicted, he could be sentenced as a juvenile, an adult or as a juvenile with the option of receiving an adult sentence if not rehabilitated.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of adult
Noun
  • The hospital complex in San Francisco was ranked top nationally in several specialties as well, including geriatrics, pulmonology — the treatment of respiratory conditions — and lung surgery.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The report rated hospital performance in 14 specialties or specialty areas, ranging from cancer to geriatrics to urology.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of geriatric
Noun
  • The exhibit features several dozen dinosaur animatronics that fully loom and roar, and a virtual aquarium stocked with swimming ancients.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
  • Sitting alone among these ancients can be a profound experience.
    — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of ancient

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old-timer
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Cite this Entry

“Old-timer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-timer. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on old-timer

Nglish: Translation of old-timer for Spanish Speakers

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