old man

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a father, usually one's own.

   His old man's letting him have the car for the prom.

2. a husband.

   The office is giving my old man a retirement party.

3. a boyfriend or male lover, especially a male lover with whom one cohabits.

4. (sometimes initial capital letters) a person in a position of authority, especially an employer or a commanding officer.

   The Old Man has ordered an inspection for Saturday morning.

5. (used affectionately in addressing a man).

6. old Adam.

7. southernwood.

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old man British  

noun

1. an informal term for father husband

2. informal (sometimes capitals) a man in command, such as an employer, foreman, or captain of a ship

3. facetious an affectionate term used in addressing a man

4. another name for southernwood

5. informal

   1. an adult male kangaroo

   2. (as modifier) very large

6. Christianity the unregenerate aspect of human nature

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

old man

Soon enough, she was beating her old man and learning on her own, scouring videos online for instruction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

But he also didn’t want to die an old man on a rusted prison cot.

From Salon ● Aug. 10, 2026

Over the course of the day, the boy gets to know his grandfather better, both as the old man he is now and the young boy he once was.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Generally speaking, I’m not a grouchy old man stuck in the past.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

But when Jeremy started in that direction, the old man put out a hand to stop him.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Related Words

• dad
• father
• husband