► old someone or something that is old has lived for a very long time: When I’m an old woman I want my grandchildren to look after me. In front of the house, there is a beautiful old oak tree.
► elderly elderly means the same as old but sounds more polite or formal: Mrs. Owen was an elderly lady with white hair and glasses.
► aging becoming old: The house belonged to an aging Hollywood movie star who was famous in the 1980s.
► aged formal an aged member of your family is very old. Used mostly in writing and literature: She had to take care of her aged aunt.