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

“In a lot of ways, he’s an old soul, you know,” Schmidt said of Thornton.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

They're a very young couple, but the love story is so much deeper than that and has more of an old soul.

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

But no, who he is as a young man, Dominic, he’s an old soul.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

He was listening to some old soul song, and it was coming out of his earbuds loud, his body on its side.

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green