elderly

[ el-der-lee ]

adjective

1. of advanced age; old:

   discounts for elderly patrons.

2. of or relating to persons in later life.

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Usually the elderly. elderly people collectively; senior citizens.

elderly

/ ˈɛldəlɪ /

adjective

1. 1. quite old; past middle age
   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the ) geriatric

      the elderly

Usage

Referring to any group using the formula the elderly , the disabled is nowadays felt to be inappropriate because it glosses over people's individuality and perpetuates stereotypes. It is preferable to use phrases such as disabled people and so forth. Many people also prefer to talk about older rather than elderly people for similar reasons

Derived Forms

• ˈelderliness, noun

Other Words From

• eld·er·li·ness noun
• non·eld·er·ly noun
• un·eld·er·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elderly¹

First recorded in 1605–15; elder ¹ + -ly

Example Sentences

A health care company has been fined £50,000 after the death of an elderly resident who fell off the edge of her bed in a County Antrim care home.

From BBC

Since Tuesday, 17 children had arrived at the emergency room showing signs of malnutrition and an elderly man had died due to severe dehydration, he added.

From BBC

The UK Health Security Agency also issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, warning conditions could be dangerous for elderly and vulnerable people.

From BBC

The parks are empty again - people, particularly children and the elderly, have been told to stay indoors.

From BBC

E. coli bacteria cause infections that are especially dangerous in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aged
• aging
• old
• retired