What does nonagenarian mean?
A nonagenarian is a person who is at least 90 but not yet 100 years old. The word may function as a noun when identifying the person or as an adjective when describing an age, birthday, achievement, or characteristic. It is more formal and precise than a general expression such as “a person in her nineties,” and its use often draws attention to remarkable longevity, although it does not by itself imply exceptional health or achievement. The term follows a pattern shared with octogenarian, septuagenarian, and centenarian. It derives from the Latin nonagesimus, meaning “ninetieth,” and is used chiefly in British and American English in biographical, demographic, and news contexts. Although nonagenarians are often described as remarkable for reaching such an age, the word itself remains neutral and does not assign a particular level of health, independence, or vitality.
A person whose age is between 90 and 99 years.
"Every birthday brought the nonagenarian closer to his hundredth year."
The term excludes someone who has already reached 100, who is instead a centenarian.
Relating to or characteristic of a person aged between 90 and 99.
"The exhibition celebrated a nonagenarian career in community broadcasting."
Often used in formal biographical and demographic contexts.
The plural is used when referring to multiple people aged 90 through 99.
"The researchers interviewed nonagenarians from several countries."
In Roman numerals, ninety is written XC—a fittingly compact symbol for a birthday that is anything but small.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonagenarian come from?
Nonagenarian comes from the Latin nonagesimus, meaning “ninetieth,” a form of nonagint, meaning “ninety.” The English word was formed with the suffix -arian and originally referred to a person of ninety years of age or someone in the nineties. It belongs to a series of age terms including septuagenarian, octogenarian, and centenarian.
How nonagenarian is actually used
The term is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday conversation. It normally denotes someone aged 90 through 99 inclusively; a person who has reached 100 is a centenarian.
Easily confused with nonagenarian
A nonagenarian is a person aged 90 to 99, whereas nonagenary means consisting of or relating to 90 parts.