often disparaging
: being or resembling an old woman : of or like that of an old woman
—often used to suggest qualities (such as foolishness or prudishness) or conditions (such as mental or physical decline) stereotypically associated with elderly women
anil·i·ty
ə-ˈni-lə-tē
a-
ā-
plural -es
1
: the state of being an old woman
2
: an objectionable quality (as flightiness) felt to be typical of a doddering old woman
the utter anility of their political views
Cite this Entry
“Anile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anile. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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