graybeard

noun

gray·​beard ˈgrā-ˌbird How to pronounce graybeard (audio)
Synonyms of graybeardnext
: an old man

Examples of graybeard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While Diener is the graybeard of the team, 24-year-old Sacar Anim is the youngest. — Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 20 July 2022 Clerics tend to be graybeards who have distinguished themselves through scholarship. — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025 Tom Hanks, who became a star in 1984 with Splash, is now doing avuncular, graybeard roles. — Kyle Smith, National Review, 1 June 2022 The Braves invited 25 non-roster players to spring training and Kipnis is not the only graybeard with a resume. — Ray Glier, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2021 See All Example Sentences for graybeard

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graybeard was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

grayback beetle
graybeard
graybeard tree
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Graybeard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graybeard. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

graybeard

noun
gray·​beard ˈgrā-ˌbi(ə)rd How to pronounce graybeard (audio)
: an old man

More from Merriam-Webster on graybeard

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for graybeard

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about graybeard

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