What does octogenarian mean?
An octogenarian is someone between eighty and eighty-nine years old. The term is more formal than expressions such as “person in their eighties,” and it can carry a neutral, factual, or sometimes respectfully admiring tone when describing older people who remain active, independent, or accomplished. It may be used as a noun, as in “the octogenarian who ran the race,” or as an adjective before a noun, as in “an octogenarian athlete.” The word is especially common in news reports, biographical writing, and discussions of longevity or successful aging. Its precise age range distinguishes it from related terms such as septuagenarian, nonagenarian, and centenarian. Although the expression can draw attention to age, it is generally more formal and potentially more respectful than a generic label such as “old person.”
A person between eighty and eighty-nine years old.
"The octogenarian received an award for her outstanding service to the community."
More formal than “someone in their eighties,” and often used in biographical, journalistic, or historical contexts.
Relating to or characteristic of a person aged eighty to eighty-nine.
"The documentary followed the lives of several octogenarian marathon runners."
Usually placed before a noun; the adjective form retains the formal register of the noun.
The standard plural adds -s and is used for multiple people in the eighty-to-eighty-nine age range.
"Several octogenarians participated in the charity walk."
Octogenarian turns the Latin octo, meaning “eight,” into a precise age label: one of the eighties.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does octogenarian come from?
Octogenarian comes from Latin octogenarius, meaning “a person of eighty,” with the numerical element derived from the Latin word for eighty. The word entered English in the 19th century, when age-specific terms were increasingly used in biographical and demographic writing. Its numerical element is related to other English words deriving from Latin octo, “eight,” including octet, octuple, and octonary.
How octogenarian is actually used
Octogenarian is formal and respectful in tone, although it is less usual in everyday conversation than “person in their eighties.” The adjective is normally used before a noun, while the noun refers to a person.
Easily confused with octogenarian
An octogenarian is aged eighty to eighty-nine, whereas a nonagenarian is aged ninety to ninety-nine.
An octogenarian is in their eighties, while a centenarian has reached at least one hundred years of age.