Older couple young girl. There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word older, one of which is labelled obsolete. It can be used to describe individuals who have reached a certain stage in their life, usually beyond middle age. And unlike elderly, older does not particularly suggest frailness or infirmity, making it the natural choice in many situations. old, ancient, venerable, antique, antiquated, archaic, obsolete mean having come into existence or use in the more or less distant past. Learn how to use older and elder with example sentences and quizzes at Writing Explained. ancient applies to occurrence, existence, or use in or survival from the distant past. Definition of 'older' older in British English (ˈəʊldə ) adjective 1. the comparative of old You can use the adjective older to describe elderly folks (like your older neighbors who don't drive at night any more) or a person who was born first: "Her older sister was much bossier than her younger sister. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. old may apply to either actual or merely relative length of existence. yybh vxmz zk ft3 ubub16b ocz d53v qaj bi09e ekto