- present participle of age.
aging
Americannoun
-
the process of becoming old or older.
The aging of the population has had an effect on state revenues.
-
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.
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the process of making something seem older than it is.
The leather tabletop is a recent replacement with deliberate aging and antiquing.
adjective
-
becoming old or older; showing signs of growing old.
Many of us are caring for an aging parent in declining health.
-
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
Explanation
Aging means growing older. You could say that your glamorous grandparents make aging look easy. The process of getting older, especially as people reach middle age and beyond, is called aging, and it's also an adjective that describes someone or something going through this process. Your aging French teacher might find it harder and harder to read her own writing on the chalkboard, and an aging motorcycle probably needs to be repaired more often. The verb age, or "grow older," is at the heart of aging, and its Latin root is aevum, "lifetime."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Beyond its potential medical applications, the research changes how scientists understand the role of oligodendrocytes in the aging brain.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 17, 2026
The implications of the discovery may extend beyond ordinary muscle aging.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
In McDonnell, his supporters say, the mayor has an honest and principled leader who has managed to steady a department beset by low morale, dwindling staffing levels and aging facilities.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
He says the Dodgers have a “split personality”—one part dedicated to wringing every last drop from their aging superstars and the other with an eye on the future.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
All my discoveries make headlines, but the most controversial is a soap that rejuvenates aging skin.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
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