hoary

/ˈhɔri/

Other forms: hoariest; hoarier; hoarily

Use the adjective hoary to describe something that is old and worn out — like the hoary jokes your great uncle Albert clings to.

The word hoary can also be used to describe something that is white or gray with age. Santa is usually depicted with a hoary beard and hoary hair, although sometimes mall Santas have to fake this with wigs and artificial beards. Hoary can also mean covered with fine white hairs or with down — "The hoary leaves felt like velvet to the touch."

Definitions of hoary

1. adjective

   showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair
   “nodded his hoary head”

   synonyms: gray, gray-haired, gray-headed, grey, grey-haired, grey-headed, grizzly, hoar, white-haired

   old

   (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
2. adjective

   ancient
   “hoary jokes”

   synonyms: rusty

   old

   of long duration; not new
3. adjective

   covered with fine whitish hairs or down
   synonyms: canescent

   haired, hairy, hirsute

   having or covered with hair