el·der·ly
ˈel-dər-lē 
1
a
: rather old
especially
: being past middle age
b
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons
elderliness
noun
Synonyms of elderly
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
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
The nonprofit has funded drum workshops for refugee children and programs for elderly dementia patients.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
The suspect in a mass shooting in Alabama was handed a $60,000 bond, while the recent arrest of a repeat offender in the attack of an elderly woman was ordered to stay behind bars until trial.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025
People who work outside, are elderly or have underlying illnesses such as heart, lung or kidney diseases are often at the greatest risk.
—Vijay Limaye, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elderly
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Households at or below 130% of the poverty line generally qualify for assistance, with a large number of recipients being elderly, disabled or children.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
The nonprofit has funded drum workshops for refugee children and programs for elderly dementia patients.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
The suspect in a mass shooting in Alabama was handed a $60,000 bond, while the recent arrest of a repeat offender in the attack of an elderly woman was ordered to stay behind bars until trial.
—Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2025
People who work outside, are elderly or have underlying illnesses such as heart, lung or kidney diseases are often at the greatest risk.
—Vijay Limaye, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elderly
Cite this Entry
“Elderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderly. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share