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

A 63-year old woman and a 77-year old man, both German citizens, died in the incident, they added.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

"We lived like kings in our homes. Our life has become an ordeal," the old man said through tears, sitting on a mattress in his tent.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

“My only relief is that he’s an old, old man and he’s not going to be here forever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

The old man responds, “Well then, bienvenidas, welcome, niñas. It’s been a while since we’ve had any visitors here in the countryside.”

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Related Words

• dad
• father
• husband