elderly

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adjective el·der·ly \ ˈel-dər-lē \

Definition of elderly

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

See elderly defined for English-language learners

See elderly defined for kids

Examples of elderly in a Sentence

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 of elderly from the Web

Additionally, the people most likely to be found dead are the elderly, the infirm and the people who were isolated from others — along with folks who didn’t have the means or wherewithal to flee.

— Washington Post, "Harvey death toll surpasses 30; more fatalities expected," 31 Aug. 2017
Additionally, the people most likely to be found dead are the elderly, the infirm and the people who were isolated from others — along with folks who didn’t have the means or wherewithal to flee.

— juan lozano, The Seattle Times, "Grim reality in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey: More dead," 30 Aug. 2017
The owners of dogs that authorities believe killed an elderly Missouri bicyclist will pay a $300,000 settlement.

— max londberg, kansascity, "Hounds roamed a Missouri town, and a bicyclist was killed. Now dog owners owe $300,000," 30 Aug. 2017
A mobile food pantry helped around 3,000 people, and nearly 2,500 bags of groceries were delivered to elderly and disabled folks.

— faye reeder, star-telegram, "Open house will show how Arlington Charities fights hunger, poverty," 30 Aug. 2017
Purnell, who relocated back to Huntsville about two years ago to help take care of his elderly parents, now estimates he's made around a thousand or so road loaves and pies for touring bands and local musicians.

— matt wake, AL.com, "The legend of Road Loaf: Alabama man, former Kiss roadie bakes gifts for bands," 29 Aug. 2017
Most were elderly and ailing, their deaths hastened by the catastrophe.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "There's hope for Houston in the story of Louisville's Great Flood of 1937," 28 Aug. 2017
At his farmhouse in Brittany, the elderly Guillam lives with Catherine, a much younger woman, and her 9-year-old daughter.

— dwight garner, New York Times, "George Smiley and Other Old Friends Return in John le Carré’s ‘A Legacy of Spies’," 28 Aug. 2017
The groups figure that 115,000 low-income children in Idaho are covered under the program, which also insures low-income parents, pregnant women, the elderly and disabled adults.

— maria l. la ganga, idahostatesman, "Couple earns $51,600. His long-term care takes $48,000. She digs in dumpsters for food.," 26 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elderly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of elderly

1611

elderly Synonyms

Synonyms

aged, aging (or ageing), ancient, geriatric, long-lived, old, older, over-the-hill, senescent, senior, unyoung, long in the tooth, of a certain age

Antonyms

young, youthful

Related Words

centenarian, nonagenarian, octogenarian, septuagenarian, sexagenarian; oldish; adult, grown-up, mature, middle-aged; pensioned, retired, superannuated; matriarchal, patriarchal, venerable; anile, decrepit, doddering, senile, spavined, tottery; overage (also overaged)

Near Antonyms

ageless; youngish; adolescent, immature, juvenile, preteen, puerile; minor, underage; callow, green, inexperienced, raw; babyish, childish, childlike, infantile, infantine, kiddish

elderly

noun

Definition of elderly

plural elderly or elderlies

:an elderly person

First Known Use of elderly

1865

ELDERLY Defined for English Language Learners

elderly

play

adjective

Definition of elderly for English Language Learners

: old or rather old : past middle age

ELDERLY Defined for Kids

elderly

play

adjective el·der·ly \ ˈel-dər-lē \

Definition of elderly for Students

:somewhat old

Learn More about elderly

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for elderly Spanish Central: Translation of elderly Nglish: Translation of elderly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of elderly for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elderly

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elderly

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elderliness

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elderly

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ELDERLY Defined for English Language Learners

elderly

Definition of elderly for English Language Learners

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