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

Last July, rescue crews found the bodies of an elderly couple inside a gutted car on the shoulder of a mountain road. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

Her contribution came at a time when one in three local Meals on Wheels America providers have a wait-list, with elderly citizens having to wait an average of four months for meals and services. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 July 2026

When Martín is kidnapped by a monster, Cleo ventures into the jungle to rescue him, aided by an elderly witch and a naughty anteater. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 9 July 2026

Puente, who preyed on elderly and vulnerable people, was convicted of killing three people and died in prison in 2011. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 9 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