age

UK: eɪdʒ | US: eɪdʒ

Definition

  1. n. the length of time that a person or thing has existed

  2. n. a distinct period of history or human life

  3. v. to grow older or show signs of aging

Structure
age <period of time>
Etymology

The word "age" traces back to the Latin aetatem, which referred to the span of a lifetime or an era. It entered Old French as aage or eage, retaining the sense of time’s passage. By Middle English, it simplified to "age," broadening to denote both personal lifespan and historical epochs. The verb form emerged later, reflecting the process of growing older.

Examples

  1. The legal drinking age in many countries is 18 or 21.

  2. She began painting at the age of five.

  3. The Iron Age followed the Bronze Age in human history.

  4. Fine wine improves with age.

  5. His face had aged noticeably after years of stress.