Buzz
Choosing between 'eldest' and 'oldest' when describing age can leave some people scratching their heads. These words often seem interchangeable, and the rules about when to use each aren’t always clear. Why do we say 'oldest person alive' instead of 'eldest person alive'? What’s the actual difference between the two?
Merriam-Webster explains that the primary distinction is that 'eldest' and 'elder' are exclusively used when referring to people. For example, you can’t call an antique the 'eldest' in a collection; it must be the 'oldest'. However, your 'older' sister could be the 'eldest' among your siblings.
'Eldest' is most commonly used when referring to people in familial or comparative group contexts. It doesn’t necessarily indicate age. For instance, someone who joins a chess club at 80 might be the 'oldest' in the group, but not the 'eldest'. The 'eldest' would be the person who has been a member the longest, even if they’re only in their 30s.
'Oldest' can certainly describe people, but it's more appropriate to use 'eldest' when comparing individuals within a family or social group. Also, keep in mind that 'elder' can be a noun, whereas 'older' cannot. You would honor the 'elders' in your family, not the 'olders'.
A version of this article was first published in 2020; it has since been updated for 2023.
