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

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that a suspect has been charged in the grisly murder of an elderly military veteran inside his home. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Yet another elderly victim had just fed thousands of dollars into the device after being tricked by a scammer. —Curt Devine, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

Prosecutors warned Boatwright could be released on elderly parole after serving 20 years of 160-year prison sentence under California law. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

This nonprofit equine sanctuary provides elderly horses with room to roam. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2025

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