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

“They were supplying ammunition, looking after elderly parents, evacuating their kids.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Kids were separated from their fathers and husbands,” shouted an elderly woman whose dark eyes blazed with anger.

From BBC

Somerville also denied claims in the Sunday Times newspaper that her announcement last week of winter fuel payments for elderly Scots had played out like an episode of comedy The Thick of It.

From BBC

"The neighbours told us the previous tenant was an elderly lady who kept the property in good condition – including the carpet."

From BBC

Emma also cares for her two elderly parents and says her mum is forced to regularly drive a 10-hour round trip to see an eye specialist.

From BBC

Related Words

• aged
• aging
• old
• retired