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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Viewers were able to see an elderly man playing an instrument while seated on a chair. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Tax law experts note that those who could struggle with the shift away from paper checks to direct deposit include taxpayers without bank accounts and those who are elderly or disabled. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Several factors may contribute to this rate, including the state's large and growing elderly population, higher rates of alcohol consumption and obesity and cold and ice winter weather conditions. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 23 Sep. 2025 Most were elderly, some extremely so (Whipper was ninety-six); and many of the crucial creators at the center of the story had died—some long ago, some, such as Langston Hughes, only a few years before. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025 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 26 Sep. 2025.

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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