long in the tooth

phrase

Synonyms of long in the toothnext
: past one's best days : old
She's a little long in the tooth for those kinds of antics.

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of long in the tooth was in 1841

Rhymes for long in the tooth

See All Rhymes for long in the tooth

Browse Nearby Words

longinquity
long in the tooth
Longinus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Long in the tooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long%20in%20the%20tooth. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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