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

Now, this episode is extra special because Annie and I have actually paid out big bucks to get furry co-hosts to talk firsthand about their feelings on water, making his podcast debut all the way from the New Orleans streets, my elderly orange and white Tabby George. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2026

What else is going on An ATM con targeting elderly bank customers is being carried out across Southern California, police say. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

An elderly, white-bearded man clutched a walking staff, like an urban Gandalf, disseminating wise vibes. —Brian Barth, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026

But one elderly man resists Loki and refuses. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 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