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

Adjective

• aged
• aging
• ageing
• ancient
• geriatric
• long-lived
• old
• older
• over-the-hill
• senescent
• senior
• unyoung

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

And This Guy was in jail, having pleaded guilty to assault with serious bodily injury as well as neglect of an elderly or disabled person. —Bellamy Young, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024

However, for those who are very young, elderly or have health problems, the temperature shouldn't dip below 68 degrees, WHO adds. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 3 Dec. 2024

Opponents said the disabled and elderly were at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, to end their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. —Brian Melley and Pan Pylas The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024

Miracle on 34th Street revolves around Kris Kringle, a kindly elderly man hired as a department store Santa. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024

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