old-timer

noun

ˈōl(d)-ˈtī-mər How to pronounce old-timer (audio)
Definition of old-timernext
1
as in elder
a person of advanced years a group of old-timers playing shuffleboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in veteran
a person with long experience in a specified area old-timers in the fishing industry couldn't remember a time when catches were so low

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of old-timer Cap Conover was an old-timer, having come from Wisconsin 20 years before to settle into a life of trapping on the river. — Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 The old-timers try to stay in touch. — Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 For every grousing old-timer who felt that Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was contaminating the genre came another who expressed sheer joy that such a show even existed. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Some bargain hunters poked around, while a handful of old-timers walked the halls for exercise. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-timer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-timer
  1. elder
  2. veteran
  3. oldster
  4. adult
  5. geriatric
  6. ancient
Noun
  • And, a consistent thread over the years, many students were interested in learning from their elders – everything from family histories to intergenerational advice and tough conversations about grief.
    — Janet W. Lee, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Often, the pincher is in the company of an elder who lectures to her.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of elder
Noun
  • The 15-year veteran looked confident and capable against the Chiefs on Sunday, throwing for 365 yards and two touchdowns.
    — Pete Sweeney October 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
  • And considering the dearth of new mainstream stars — outside of Doechii and Don Toliver, other emerging talents have yet to commercially break through — hip-hop veterans have more of an opening to notch genuine hits.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of veteran
Noun
  • Enough with the oldsters, what about those kids?
    — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
  • With each passing day, its oldster cast — including Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, and Geena Davis — is closer to the grave.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of oldster
Noun
  • Suite guests unlock access to Summersalt, the resort’s swish, adults-only beach club with Burj-front sunbeds, while a refined Club Lounge offers a quiet spot for breakfasts, afternoon tea, and early-evening sundowners.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Frontman Marcus Mumford sat down with host Jimmy Kimmel to discuss the album and its collaborations, as well as being a Disney adult and going to Disneyland solo.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of adult
Noun
  • The hospital complex in San Francisco was ranked top nationally in several specialties as well, including geriatrics, pulmonology — the treatment of respiratory conditions — and lung surgery.
    — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The report rated hospital performance in 14 specialties or specialty areas, ranging from cancer to geriatrics to urology.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of geriatric
Noun
  • The exhibit features several dozen dinosaur animatronics that fully loom and roar, and a virtual aquarium stocked with swimming ancients.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 21 May 2026
  • Sitting alone among these ancients can be a profound experience.
    — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of ancient

Browse Nearby Words

old-time
old-timer
old-timers
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Cite this Entry

“Old-timer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-timer. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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