the elder

noun

1

—used in comparing the ages of two people who are members of the same family

He's the elder of her two brothers.

2

—used to refer to the older of two people (such as a father and son) who have the same name

Pliny the Elder and his nephew Pliny the Younger

Examples of the elder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of her plea agreement in the elder exploitation case, Johnson was required to repay the 90-year-old victim in full, plus interest, and complete 60 hours of public service. — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

The 30-year-old Ruiz has an air of authority, the elder statesman beside the engaging Kvaratskhelia and the easygoing Dembele. — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

At the film’s end, the elder generation spirit the girls up to the roof. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026

That 2001 victory for the elder sister came a full quarter-century ago — which is enough to give fans goose bumps that this partnership is alive, at ages 44 and 46. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for the elder

• welder