elderly

1 of 2

adjective

el·​der·​ly ˈel-dər-lē How to pronounce elderly (audio)
1
a
: rather old
especially : being past middle age
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

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
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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 See all Example Sentences for elderly 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderly was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near elderly

Cite this Entry

“Elderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderly. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on elderly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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