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

Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz said many of the board members were elderly, primarily Spanish-speaking volunteers who investigators believe did not realize what was happening. — Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

The Army veteran moved later that month — leaving behind his two adult children and his elderly mother. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

In Loiza, Pica Quiñones’ great-granddaughter, Modesta Irizarry, drives around helping elderly neighbors. — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

The second half of the novel focuses on Alice, an elderly woman who suffers from dementia. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 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