septuagenarian

noun

sep·​tu·​a·​ge·​nar·​i·​an (ˌ)sep-ˌtü-ə-jə-ˈner-ē-ən How to pronounce septuagenarian (audio)
-ˌtyü-,
-ˌchü-
: a person whose age is in the seventies
septuagenarian adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web If yes, then Ferguson’s hilarious assumption that a Black septuagenarian must enjoy the musical stylings of Snoop Dogg carries greater significance. Laura Jedeed, The New Republic, 1 Mar. 2022 Smith, a reclusive Palm Beach septuagenarian, hasn’t granted a press interview since the 1980s. Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 14 Oct. 2021 Also relevant are works by French septuagenarian Elizabeth Garouste, who is the very definition of fun. Ralph Pucci, Robb Report, 16 May 2021 On Inauguration Day, 2021, a septuagenarian—Donald Trump, Joe Biden, or Bernie Sanders—will almost certainly be sworn into the office of the Presidency. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2020 Yet the party is throwing itself into the arms of a septuagenarian with serious performance issues. Rich Lowry, National Review, 6 Mar. 2020 Warren is the first top-tier Democratic presidential candidate to release a medical report this cycle, a move that will undoubtedly kick off a new primary-within-a-primary: The contest to be the hardiest septuagenarian running for president. BostonGlobe.com, 6 Dec. 2019 Alba Maruri’s family members were overjoyed that the septuagenarian was alive, but they were left wondering whose remains the hospital cremated and sent them weeks ago, the family told news outlets. Fox News, 26 Apr. 2020 After all, other septuagenarians, including Mr. Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders, have amassed intense and loyal online followings despite not being internet natives. Kevin Roose, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'septuagenarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin septuagenarius seventy years old, from Latin, of or containing seventy, from septuageni seventy each, from septuaginta

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of septuagenarian was in 1744

Dictionary Entries Near septuagenarian

Cite this Entry

“Septuagenarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septuagenarian. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

septuagenarian

noun
sep·​tu·​a·​ge·​nar·​i·​an (ˌ)sep-ˌt(y)ü-ə-jə-ˈner-ē-ən How to pronounce septuagenarian (audio)
ˌsep-tə-ˌwaj-ə-
: a person who is 70 or more but less than 80 years old
septuagenarian adjective

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