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 )

      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

Other Word Forms

• elderliness noun
• nonelderly noun
• unelderly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elderly¹

First recorded in 1605–15; elder ¹ + -ly

Example Sentences

"Children, women and the elderly were killed in cold blood, and many were completely burned," a statement from the group said.

Read more on BBC

In the community centre, a group of mainly elderly people are talking and laughing and being led in a line dance to the song Candy by Cameo.

Read more on BBC

"Children, women and the elderly were killed in cold blood, and many were completely burned," it said.

Read more on Barron's

Care Indeed, an organization that provides in-home caregivers, has recommendations for talking to an elderly relative about moving into a nursing home.

Read more on MarketWatch

‘I’m at a loss’: My boyfriend of nearly 10 years is naming his elderly parents as beneficiaries and giving them power of attorney.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• aged 
• aging 
• old 
• retired