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.

---

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

---

Example Sentences

"My old man was a football manager," he said.

From BBC

We meet him following a prologue set in a prison, where an old man is given the task of burning a batch of papers.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.”

From The Wall Street Journal

How could we have guessed as we sat there—two middle-aged spinsters and an old man— that in place of memories were about to be given adventures such as we had never dreamed of?

From Literature

Holding it was an old man in pajamas and nightcap.

From Literature

Related Words

• dad
• father
• husband