old lady

noun

Informal.

1. a mother, usually one's own.

2. a wife.

3. a girlfriend or female lover, especially a female lover with whom one cohabits.

old lady

noun

1. an informal term for mother 1 wife

2. a large noctuid moth, Mormo maura, that has drab patterned wings originally thought to resemble an elderly Victorian lady's shawl

Word History and Origins

Origin of old lady¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

“I feel like we’re in one of those Sunday night dramas about two bright-eyed, feisty old lady detectives outsmarting the police at every turn.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s always some tired, old lady and I get it.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve been called ‘an old lady who has access to a computer,’” she said.

From Salon

When DeCandido started out, those birding were generally “little old ladies in tennis shoes,” he said.

From Salon

Then the plot departs from reality and descends into macabre humor, with Cole accidentally pushing the old lady down the stairs, killing her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bride 
• lover 
• spouse 
• wife