el·der·ly
ˈel-dər-lē 
1
a
: rather old
especially
: being past middle age
b
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons
elderliness
noun
Synonyms of elderly
Examples of elderly in a Sentence
Adjective
The program is intended to provide medical care for elderly people.
elderly people who stay active are usually the healthiest and the happiest
Recent Examples on the Web
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
In June, Tran pleaded guilty to three state charges of stealing a gun from an elderly person who was also one of his constituents, then misleading investigators.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
However, for those who are young, elderly or have health problems, the minimum temperature shouldn’t dip below 68°F.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
The Norwegian breakthrough opened up to USA TODAY about how working with elderly folks in a nursing home prepared her to be an actress.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elderly
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.
Adjective
The person mainly responsible for the Forks of the Road preservation and historical research, according to Schoby, is an elderly Black man named Ser Boxley.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
In June, Tran pleaded guilty to three state charges of stealing a gun from an elderly person who was also one of his constituents, then misleading investigators.
—Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
However, for those who are young, elderly or have health problems, the minimum temperature shouldn’t dip below 68°F.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
The Norwegian breakthrough opened up to USA TODAY about how working with elderly folks in a nursing home prepared her to be an actress.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elderly
Cite this Entry
“Elderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderly. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
