First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1senior
noun se·nior \ˈsē-nyər\
: a person who is older than another person
: a person who is of a higher rank than another person
: a student in the final year of high school or college
Full Definition of SENIOR
1
: a person older than another <five years my senior>
2
a : a person with higher standing or rank b : a senior fellow of a college at an English university c : a student in the year preceding graduation from a school of secondary or higher level
3
capitalized : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the 9th through 12th grades in school
4
See senior defined for English-language learners
See senior defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SENIOR
Middle English, from Latin, from senior, adjective
Other Education Terms
2senior
adjective
: older in age
: higher in standing or rank than another person in the same position
: of, relating to, or designed for older people
Full Definition of SENIOR
1
: of prior birth, establishment, or enrollment —often used to distinguish a father with the same given name as his son
2
: higher ranking : superior <senior officers>
3
: of, relating to, or intended for seniors <a senior center>
4
: having a claim on corporate assets and income prior to other securities
See senior defined for English-language learners
Origin of SENIOR
Middle English, from Latin, older, elder, comparative of sen-, senex old; akin to Gothic sineigs old, Greek henos
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to SENIOR
Other Education Terms
SENIOR Defined for Kids
1senior
noun se·nior \ˈsēn-yər\
Definition of SENIOR for Kids
1
: a person older or higher in rank than someone else
2
: a student in the final year of high school or college
3
: an elderly person
2senior
adjective
Definition of SENIOR for Kids
1
: being older Hint:This sense is often used to distinguish a father from a son with the same name. <John Doe, Senior>
2
: higher in rank or office <Who is the senior partner of the law firm?>
3
: relating to students in the final year of high school or college
Learn More About SENIOR
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: senior airmanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: senilityAll Words Near: senior
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up senior? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).