the old guard
noun
: the usually older members of an organization (such as a political party) who do not want or like change
She's not popular with the old guard.
(US) The old guard is stronger than ever.
(British) The old guard are stronger than ever.
Examples of the old guard in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This customer-first model challenges the old guard’s outdated pricing playbook, exposing their dependence on market power and resistance to change.
—
Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Their limp exit at the 2023 World Cup was predicated on an over-reliance with the old guard, some of whom are still performing.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
McConnell, a Russia hawk and part of the old guard of Republicans, has backed support for Ukraine throughout Russia’s invasion of the country, which began in February 2022.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 31 Aug. 2025
To be sure, the old guard won lots more seats than the newbie on the block, but all the parties are scrambling to clarify their positions on immigration in response to Sanseitō.
—Jeff Kingston, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the old guard
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Their limp exit at the 2023 World Cup was predicated on an over-reliance with the old guard, some of whom are still performing.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
McConnell, a Russia hawk and part of the old guard of Republicans, has backed support for Ukraine throughout Russia’s invasion of the country, which began in February 2022.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 31 Aug. 2025
To be sure, the old guard won lots more seats than the newbie on the block, but all the parties are scrambling to clarify their positions on immigration in response to Sanseitō.
—Jeff Kingston, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the old guard
Cite this Entry
“The old guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20old%20guard. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share