elderly

1 of 2

adjective

el·​der·​ly ˈel-dər-lē How to pronounce elderly (audio)
Synonyms of elderlynext
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
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Adjective
Adam Dees — convicted of murder in the deaths of an elderly couple and their son in 2015 — died while serving his life sentences at Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, the state’s prison system told the Idaho Statesman. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2026 In Orange County, the parent of a 14-year-old who allegedly struck and killed an elderly man while riding the same type of e-motorcycle as the Winters juvenile was charged with involuntary manslaughter. Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Some of the more elderly megastars on this list have reportedly been ruled out due to Amazon's desire for a younger actor to carry the franchise for the next 10 to 15 years. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 My heroine is married to an elderly man who has had three dead wives. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Elderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderly. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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

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