old soul

American  

[ohld sohl] / ˈoʊld ˈsoʊl /

noun

1. a person, especially a child or young person, who demonstrates a maturity, understanding, or seriousness that is typical of someone much older.

   Our daughter was always so thoughtful and solemn, even as a baby—everyone says she’s an old soul.

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Etymology

Origin of old soul

First recorded in 1750–60; in reference to an old person

Example Sentences

“I think that just means I have an old soul, and I like everything,” Neilson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

They're a very young couple, but the love story is so much deeper than that and has more of an old soul.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

“Randy, in my opinion, had an old soul quality to his voice. That’s one of the things that made him unique, but also, somehow familiar.”

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

His voice is a baritone croon with an electronic penumbra, in a track that hints at old soul translated into ghostly electronics.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2022

They are “morose,” “live in memory rather than hope,” are “slaves to profit,” and are “prone to pity, though not for the same reasons as young ’He is a cynical old soul, our hero.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith