elderly

1 of 2

adjective

el·​der·​ly ˈel-dər-lē How to pronounce elderly (audio)
Synonyms of elderlynext
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
The film follows Sakol, who, after hearing a prophecy that his elderly mother may die soon, sets out on a one-day pilgrimage to nine temples as a remedy. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 May 2026 The film follows Sakol, who – after a fortune teller warns him his elderly mother may die soon – gathers the family for a ritual journey across Thailand’s temple landscape. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2026 Two EMTs were responding to a call about an elderly patient when gunfire erupted and an 18-year-old was shot in the stomach nearby. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026 Meals on Wheels, the 72-year-old group that delivers food and companionship to the homes of elderly people, is not immune from the struggles facing America’s nonprofit sector. Belinda Luscombe, Time, 20 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Elderly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderly. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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

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