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 is set in a mountain village where an elderly woman named Hettie (Hettie Farmer) lives alone on a small farm, tending her flock of goats with increasing difficulty. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026 In addition to the funding proposed by the Governor to serve homeless individuals and families, an additional $50 million in RAP assistance is needed to serve the working families, disabled, and elderly individuals who are languishing on the state’s RAP wait list. Allen Harrison, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026 In Concord, Legaspi said Bay Area Crisis Nursery has seen more elderly residents come to the organization’s food pantry since last August. Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026 Carey died while trying to rescue a paralyzed elderly man from a house fire. Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 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 7 Apr. 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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