sexagenarian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+ (Very Rare)Formal, occasionally humorous or literary.
Quick answer
What does “sexagenarian” mean?
A person who is between 60 and 69 years old.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is between 60 and 69 years old.
Sometimes used to describe anything related to the seventh decade (60-69) of life or numbering sixty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more likely to appear in British formal/academic writing due to historical preference for Latin-derived terms.
Connotations
In both, it can sound slightly pedantic or playful. Neutral to mildly positive in formal contexts; can be used humorously to avoid 'old'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Arguably marginally more recognised in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “sexagenarian” in a Sentence
[Noun] the sexagenarian[Adjective] sexagenariansexagenarian [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sexagenarian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form exists.
American English
- No verb form exists.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form exists.
American English
- No adverb form exists.
adjective
British English
- The study focused on sexagenarian health trends.
- He's enjoying his sexagenarian years with more travel.
American English
- The club has a large sexagenarian membership.
- She entered her sexagenarian decade with a marathon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in demographic marketing or HR reports, e.g., 'targeting affluent sexagenarians'.
Academic
Found in gerontology, sociology, or historical demography texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might be used jokingly at a birthday.
Technical
Used in precise age classification in medical or actuarial contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sexagenarian”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sexagenarian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sexagenarian”
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as /sɛks/ (like 'sex') instead of /sɛk/ or /sɛksə/.
- Using it for any older person, not specifically 60-69.
- Spelling: 'sexagenian' (missing 'r'), 'sexagenarian' (common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is formal and neutral, not inherently impolite. However, using it in casual conversation can sound odd or pretentious. 'Person in their sixties' is often more natural.
Before: Quinquagenarian (50-59). After: Septuagenarian (70-79), then Octogenarian (80-89), Nonagenarian (90-99), Centenarian (100+).
Yes, it functions as both a noun ("He is a sexagenarian") and an adjective ("the sexagenarian population").
No connection. It derives from the Latin 'sexaginta', meaning 'sixty'. The 'sex-' prefix here denotes 'six' (as in the sixth decade of life).
A person who is between 60 and 69 years old.
Sexagenarian is usually formal, occasionally humorous or literary. in register.
Sexagenarian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛksədʒɪˈnɛːrɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛksədʒəˈnɛriən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEX' (not the act, but the Latin root for 'six') + 'AGEN' (like in 'age' or 'agenarian' for decade) + 'ARIAN' (a person belonging to). A person belonging to the sixth decade of life (from 60).
Conceptual Metaphor
AGE IS A NUMBERED CONTAINER/PERIOD (sixth decade). PERSON IS A MEMBER OF A DECADE-BASED CLASS (sexagenarian class).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'sexagenarian'?