the elder

noun

1

—used in comparing the ages of two people who are members of the same family

He's the elder of her two brothers.

2

—used to refer to the older of two people (such as a father and son) who have the same name

Pliny the Elder and his nephew Pliny the Younger

Examples of the elder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prosecutors said Ebert and the elder Yates exchanged words after the suspect blew his horn and shouted obscenities at the septuagenarian victim’s daughter and son-in-law while in the driveway of a residential property. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026

Early life and education Moura is the elder of two children born to Alderiva Moura, a homemaker, and José Moura, a former sergeant in the Brazilian Air Force. —Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2026

Pouring into them keeps the elder player invested in the game. —Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026

Willow is the elder of two children Pink shares with husband Carey Hart. —Ryan Brennan march 3, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

Rhymes for the elder

• welder