elderly

1 of 2

adjective

el·​der·​ly ˈel-dər-lē 

1

a

: rather old

especially : being past middle age

b

: old-fashioned

2

: of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons

elderliness noun

elderly

2 of 2

noun

plural elderly or elderlies

: an elderly person

Synonyms of elderly

Adjective

• older
• aging
• aged
• old

Examples of elderly in a Sentence

Adjective

The program is intended to provide medical care for elderly people.

elderly people who stay active are usually the healthiest and the happiest

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Some evacuees are elderly care home residents, helped out the affected area by their caregivers and, in some cases, paramedics. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. — Mary Lyle, Arkansas Online, 23 July 2026

One Sunday, Henrichsen assaulted an elderly couple walking along a road, knocking over an 80-year-old man and striking his wife, according to a memo compiled by the neighborhood homeowner’s association. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

There is a subplot with Punk and Lee losing their beloved elderly dog Larry. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing elderly

• the elderly

Kids Definition

elderly

adjective

el·​der·​ly

ˈel-dər-lē

1

: rather old

especially : past middle age

2

: of or relating to later life or elderly persons

elderliness noun