26984 words

oldest

13 definitions • 34 examples
1
having lived or existed for many years:

Examples:

an old man
We're all getting older.
I was shocked by how old he looked.
Now come on, you're old enough to tie your own shoelaces, Carlos.
I'm too old to be out in the clubs every night.
a beautiful old farm house in the country
a battered old car
That's an old joke - I've heard it about a thousand times.
I think this cheese is old, judging by the smell of it.
2
unsuitable because intended for older people:

Examples:

Don't you think that book is too old for you?
3
used to describe or ask about someone's age:

Examples:

How old is your father?
Rosie's six years old now.
It's not very dignified behaviour for a 54-year-old man.
He's a couple of years older than me.
4
from a period in the past:

Examples:

I saw my old English teacher last time I went home.
He bought me a new phone to replace my old one.
She showed me her old school.
I saw an old boyfriend of mine.
In my old job I had less responsibility.
5
a language when it was in an early stage in its development:

Examples:

Both words come to us from Old English.
6
(especially of a friend) known for a long time:

Examples:

She's one of my oldest friends - we met in kindergarten.
7
used before someone's name when you are referring to or talking to them, to show that you know that person well and like them:

Examples:

There's old Sara working away in the corner.
I hear poor old Frank's lost his job.
8
old people considered together as a group:

Examples:

These cuts in services will particularly affect the old.
9
having lived or existed for a long time in comparison to others of the same kind:

Examples:

An old man lives there with his dog.
They have a beautiful old farm house in the country.
She got very depressed in her old age (= the time of her life when she was old).
10
(esp. of a friend) known for a long time:

Examples:

She’s one of my oldest friends.
11
infml Old is also used to show that you know and like someone:

Examples:

Poor old Frank broke his arm.
12
having a particular age, or an age suited to a particular activity or condition:

Examples:

a 14-year-old
Charlie is older than I.
You’re old enough to know better.
13
from a previous time or a period in the past; former :

Examples:

Our old house in Lakewood burned down.
Sharon gave her old skates to her younger cousin.

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