Old
/oʊld/
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving existed or been in use for a long time; not new.
/oʊld/
Having lived for a long time.
That antique car is very old.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really, really long time ago! Like, the time when your parents were kids. That's when something is old. For example, your grandma is old because she's lived a lot longer than you! Like your favorite teddy bear, if you've had it forever, it's getting old too!
👶 For kids: If something is old, it means it's been around for a long time. Like a really old toy or your grandpa!
More Examples
She is old enough to remember the good old days.
The old house has a lot of character.
How It's Used
"My grandmother is very old."
"He's getting old, but still enjoys a game of golf."
Having a certain age or duration of existence.
/oʊld/
Of a specified age or duration.
She is 10 years old.
💡 Simply: When you want to say how many years something has been around, or how many birthdays someone has had, you use 'old.' Like, "How old are you?" or "My car is five years old."
👶 For kids: When you say how many years something has been alive, like a person or a pet!
More Examples
The company is 20 years old.
That book is a few years old, but still relevant.
How It's Used
"He is 30 years old."
"This software is two years old."
Relating to a former time or situation.
/oʊld/
Of or relating to a former time, especially in one's life.
I miss my old neighborhood.
💡 Simply: It's like when you talk about something that happened a long time ago, like your 'old house' you used to live in, or 'old friends' you haven't seen in a while. It makes you feel a little nostalgic.
👶 For kids: When you talk about things from the past, like when you used to live somewhere else or a friend you haven't seen in a while.
More Examples
They met at their old university.
She cherished her old diary entries.
How It's Used
"They reminisced about their old school."
"They are old friends."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
old as the hills
Extremely old or ancient.
"That tradition is as old as the hills."
old hand
An experienced person; someone with expertise.
"He's an old hand at this type of negotiation."
old school
Traditional; adhering to established values or methods.
"He has an old-school approach to business."
From Old English *eald*, from Proto-Germanic *aldaz* (“grown, adult”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂él-to-* (“grown, adult”).
The word 'old' has been used in English since before the 12th century, consistently referring to something that has existed for a long time.
Memory tip
Think of a wise, aged tree standing for many years.