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
States and food pantries cannot cover food for needy elderly, children and the disabled without federal support. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025 An Australian woman was on Monday convicted of murdering three elderly relatives of her estranged husband with a meal laced with poisonous mushrooms, and attempting to murder a fourth, in a case that gripped the country. Reuters, NBC news, 7 July 2025 Bowen Tower, located at 6140 Raytown Road, is a 92 unit building that houses mostly elderly and disabled people. Kansas City Star, 7 July 2025 Angel Contreras went to the San Diego Humane Society’s Gaines Street shelter on Sunday to pick up his elderly poodle after spotting her on the shelter’s website. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 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 21 Jul. 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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