nonagenarian

noun no·na·ge·nar·i·an \ ˌnō-nə-jə-ˈner-ē-ən , ˌnä- \

Definition of nonagenarian

:a person whose age is in the nineties

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nonagenarian

adjective

See nonagenarian defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of nonagenarian from the Web

The premise, simply enough, is to talk to fellow nonagenarians and a few centenarians (Kirk Douglas among them), asking what keeps them going and seeking clues to their longevity.

— brian lowry, CNN, "Carl Reiner's 'Obit' celebrates those still vital in their 90s," 5 June 2017
At a time in life when most nonagenarian's are taking it easy, Michanowicz is revving up.

— safia samee ali, NBC News, "WWII Veteran, 91, Is Nashville’s Longest-Serving Substitute Teacher," 29 May 2017
The film also features non-famous nonagenarians and centenarians, including a 101-year-old competitive runner, a 100-year-old pianist and a 98-year-old yoga teacher.

— sandy cohen, The Seattle Times, "Brooks, Reiner, Lear, Van Dyke discuss living well after 90," 18 May 2017
Non-famous nonagenarians and centenarians are also featured, including a 101-year-old competitive runner, a 100-year-old pianist and a 98-year-old yoga teacher.

— Washington Post, "Brooks, Reiner, Lear, Van Dyke discuss living well after 90," 18 May 2017
Both his parents are nonagenarians who have slowed down over the years but still appear in fairly fine fettle.

— bill daley, chicagotribune.com, "Prince Philip's retirement has many asking 'who's royally next?'," 5 May 2017
As a very rare elderly star on this circuit, Ms. Porchon-Lynch has the kind of exceptional marketing potential also glimpsed in the nonagenarians Iris Apfel and Betty White.

— katherine rosman, New York Times, "A 98-Year-Old Yoga Celebrity Tells All," 26 Nov. 2016
Known for her vibrant, eclectic fashions and impressive costume jewelry collection, the nonagenarian has been busier then ever in recent months, launching emojis, a sock collaboration, and a line at Macy's, among other endeavors.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Today Only, You Can Shop Iris Apfel's Vintage Jewelry Collection," 18 Nov. 2016

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

Origin and Etymology of nonagenarian

Latin nonagenarius containing ninety, from nonageni ninety each, from nonaginta ninety, from nona- (akin to novem nine) + -ginta (akin to viginti twenty) — more at nine, vigesimal

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First Known Use: 1804

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