Elderly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈel-dər-lē/ el·der·ly

Meaning & Definition of Elderly

Elderly (adjective)

  1. rather old; especially, being past middle age
  2. old-fashioned
  3. of, relating to, or characteristic of later life or elderly persons

Elderly (noun)

  1. an elderly person

Elderly (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being of advanced years and especially past middle age

    "elderly people who stay active are usually the healthiest and the happiest"

    similar: aged, aging, ancient, geriatric, long-lived, old, older, over-the-hill, senescent, senior, unyoung, long in the tooth, of a certain age
    related: centenarian, nonagenarian, octogenarian, septuagenarian, sexagenarian, oldish, adult, grown-up, mature, middle-aged, pensioned, retired, superannuated, matriarchal, patriarchal, venerable, anile, decrepit, doddering, senile, spavined, tottery, overage
    opposite: young, youthful
    near: ageless, youngish, adolescent, immature, juvenile, preteen, puerile, minor, underage, callow, green, inexperienced, raw, babyish, childish, childlike, infantile, infantine, kiddish

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Elderly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Elderly:

aged, aging, ancient, geriatric, long-lived, old, older, over-the-hill, senescent, senior, unyoung, long in the tooth, of a certain age

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Elderly

Words with the opposite meaning of Elderly:

young, youthful

Related Words for Elderly

centenarian, nonagenarian, octogenarian, septuagenarian, sexagenarian, oldish, adult, grown-up, mature, middle-aged, pensioned, retired, superannuated, matriarchal, patriarchal, venerable, anile, decrepit, doddering, senile, spavined, tottery, overage

Near Antonyms of Elderly

ageless, youngish, adolescent, immature, juvenile, preteen, puerile, minor, underage, callow, green, inexperienced, raw, babyish, childish, childlike, infantile, infantine, kiddish

Word Forms of Elderly

Inflections: elderlies

Derived words: elderliness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Elderly

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Elderly

Words & Phrases Containing Elderly

the elderly

Frequently Asked Questions about Elderly

What does "Elderly" mean?

"Elderly" means rather old; especially, being past middle age. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: rather old; especially, being past middle age.

What is another word for "Elderly"?

Other words for "Elderly" include aged, aging, ancient, geriatric, long-lived, old, older and over-the-hill. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Elderly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Elderly"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Elderly". Common alternatives include aged, aging, ancient, geriatric, long-lived, old, older, over-the-hill, senescent and senior.

What is the opposite of "Elderly"?

Antonyms of "Elderly" include young and youthful. Near antonyms include ageless, youngish, adolescent and immature.

How do you use "Elderly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Elderly" in a sentence: "elderly people who stay active are usually the healthiest and the happiest".

Is "Elderly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Elderly" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Elderly" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Elderly" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Elderly"?

"Elderly" is pronounced /ˈel-dər-lē/ and divided into syllables as el·der·ly.