elderly

1 of 2

adjective

el·​der·​ly ˈel-dər-lē 

1

a

: rather old

especially : being past middle age

b

: old-fashioned

2

: of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons

elderliness noun

elderly

2 of 2

noun

plural elderly or elderlies

: an elderly person

Synonyms of elderly

Adjective

• older
• aging
• aged
• old

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

Adjective

At the elementary school, more elderly students are enrolled than children. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Sober and working, May moved in with and took care of his ailing mother for a while, and now lives with and cares for an elderly aunt. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Rosie becomes like a second daughter to Amy’s parents, notably her elderly father, who is starting to show his age. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

Daughters really run the world A 2014 study published in the American Sociological Review found that daughters provide more care than sons to elderly parents. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing elderly

• the elderly

Kids Definition

elderly

adjective

el·​der·​ly

ˈel-dər-lē

1

: rather old

especially : past middle age

2

: of or relating to later life or elderly persons

elderliness noun