old-timer

American  

[ohld-tahy-mer] / ˈoʊldˈtaɪ mər /

noun

Informal.

1. a person whose residence, membership, or experience began long ago and has been continuing for a considerable length of time; veteran.

2. an old person.

3. an old-fashioned person or thing.

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old-timer British  

noun

1. a person who has been in a certain place, occupation, etc, for a long time

2. an old man

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Etymology

Origin of old-timer

First recorded in 1855–60; old-time + -er ¹

Example Sentences

His passes were magnificent and his unselfishness legendary, and basketball old-timers recognized a teenager mature beyond his years.

From Los Angeles Times

Chief selector George Bailey has not randomly assembled a bunch of old-timers.

From BBC

In the 1970s, when Bunker moved to Maine, he canvassed old-timers for the names of the apples growing near his Palermo homestead.

From The Wall Street Journal

Siegel relayed a story about an old-timer saying the original owner — a proprietor named Margie — wouldn’t seat him until he donned a coat and tie.

From Los Angeles Times

“It can be difficult for us old-timers to see all the changes,” said Gosen, who spins goat fiber into yarn outside her soap shop on Mane Street most weekends.

From Los Angeles Times