old soul

American  

[ohld sohl] / ˈoʊld ˈsoʊl /

noun

1. a person, especially a child or young person, who demonstrates a maturity, understanding, or seriousness that is typical of someone much older.

   Our daughter was always so thoughtful and solemn, even as a baby—everyone says she’s an old soul.

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Etymology

Origin of old soul

First recorded in 1750–60; in reference to an old person

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

old soul

But she’s approached her career with such patience and a high standard of quality that she is, in some respects, already an old soul at age 23.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026

“I feel like being an old soul gives people a sense of how things used to be back in the day,” he says of the intergenerational bridge between his work and personal interests.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025

Stiles, who calls "Wish You Were Here" a story with an "old soul," launched her own career as one of Hollywood's youngest old souls.

From Salon ● Jan. 21, 2025

“Randy, in my opinion, had an old soul quality to his voice. That’s one of the things that made him unique, but also, somehow familiar.”

From Seattle Times ● May 6, 2024

“Don’t go to school, I’m a businessman—girl, I mean. I go to wait on my great-aunt, and a dear, cross old soul she is, too,” answered Jo.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott