elderly

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

plural elderly or elderlies

: an elderly person

elderliness

3 of 3

noun (2)

el·​der·​li·​ness

ˈeldə(r)lēnə̇s, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being elderly

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

Never leave children, elderly adults or pets in a parked car or truck, even for a few minutes, even if the windows are open, public safety agencies warn. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026

According to police, an elderly driver struck a vehicle, struck the pedestrians and then crashed into a building. — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Heat can be dangerous when indoor temperatures reach 90° or above, and vulnerable groups (elderly, infants, and anyone with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions) should take caution in temps lower than that. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

Further investigation led them to an unresponsive elderly woman in the house. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (1)

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