Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having grey or white hair, especially as a sign of age: The primary meaning describes a person whose hair has turned grey or white, typically due to advancing age.
   • Very old, ancient, or venerable: Used figuratively to describe something that is extremely old, long-established, or respected due to its age.

Usage Examples

• Literal (describing a person): The grey-headed gentleman sat quietly on the park bench. She became a wise, grey-headed elder in her community.

• Figurative (describing something ancient or long-established): The scholars studied the grey-headed traditions of the ancient culture. He is a grey-headed expert in his field, with over fifty years of experience.

Advanced Usage

• "Grey-headed in": This construction indicates being experienced or long-practiced in a particular area. (He is very experienced in diplomacy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gray-headed: An alternative spelling, primarily used in American English.
• Hoary (adj): An older, more literary synonym meaning grey or white with age, or very old. (e.g., )
• Grizzled (adj): Having grey or partly grey hair, often implying a streaked or rough appearance. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• White-haired
• Silver-haired
• Aged
• Venerable (when used figuratively)

Antonyms

• Youthful
• Dark-haired
• Young

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Grey hairs: A phrase referring to the worries or troubles that cause one's hair to turn grey.
• Respect your elders: While not containing the word, this idiom relates to the venerable aspect of being "grey-headed."

Adjective

1. showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
   • whose beard with age is hoar-Coleridge
   • nodded his hoary head