elderly

1 of 2

adjective

el·​der·​ly ˈel-dər-lē How to pronounce elderly (audio)
1
a
: rather old
especially : being past middle age
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
An elderly man passing by asks Lorber about the model of his ‘scope while two EMTs carrying a stretcher try to maneuver past our small group. Abbey Stone, SELF, 31 Oct. 2024 Her previous costumes include a giant worm, Fiona from Shrek, Jessica Rabbit, a giant Transformer, a clone (with several Klum-lookalikes), an elderly version of herself, and more. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 The goal of the center is to innovate how elderly people in the U.S. receive healthcare. Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Increasingly, payment processors are embracing a policy of education to help fight scammers, especially among elderly victims. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elderly 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderly was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near elderly

Cite this Entry

“Elderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderly. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on elderly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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