aging

American  

[ey-jing] / ˈeɪ dʒɪŋ /

Or ageing

noun

1. the process of becoming old or older.

   The aging of the population has had an effect on state revenues.

2. the process of bringing a product, material, etc., to maturity or a state fit for use.

   the proper aging of cheese in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity.

3. the process of making something seem older than it is.

   The leather tabletop is a recent replacement with deliberate aging and antiquing.

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adjective

1. becoming old or older; showing signs of growing old.

   Many of us are caring for an aging parent in declining health.

2. giving the appearance of being old or older.

   They used aging makeup on some of the actors instead of recasting the roles.

Etymology

Origin of aging

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; age ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; age ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

A new study suggests that aging stars may be wiping out the giant planets that orbit closest to them.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

This “prime-age” group’s participation rate has held near multidecade highs—evidence that the overall decline in participation is being driven by an aging population cycling out of the workforce rather than discouraged workers giving up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Both sets of our parents were aging rapidly and reminding us of our own mortality.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

This finding suggests that aging lung tissue itself may be a major driver of harmful inflammation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

On the other side of the room sat an aging couple, there to see ... a son?

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover