Hoary-haired

Describing a person, typically an older one, whose hair is white or gray, often due to age. This term emphasizes the appearance of age and wisdom, suggesting a long life and experience. The word 'hoary' originally referred to hair that was white or gray, resembling frost. The addition of '-haired' specifically targets the hair's characteristic color. This word carries connotations of experience, gravitas, and perhaps even a degree of venerability or respect, due to the visual indication of many years. The term subtly combines an observation about physical appearance with an implicit judgment about the subject's potential character.

Hoary-haired meaning with examples

• The wise old professor, his hoary-haired head bent over ancient texts, seemed to emanate an aura of knowledge. Students often sought his advice, believing his years held the key to understanding complex philosophical dilemmas. His gray hair was a testament to a lifetime dedicated to thought and education, his experience evident in every sentence.
• She was known for her shrewd business acumen and a quick mind, a hoary-haired matriarch, the head of the company for decades. She had witnessed market fluctuations, survived economic downturns, and built an empire from nothing. The streaks of silver in her hair were a badge of honor, representing triumphs over adversities.
• The children listened with rapt attention as their hoary-haired grandfather recounted tales of wartime heroism. He spoke of daring missions and narrow escapes, weaving stories of bravery and resilience. His gray hair was a beacon, a symbol of perseverance and survival, connecting them to a different era.
• In the flickering firelight, the hoary-haired hermit, cloaked in roughspun wool, seemed to vanish in his environment. His eyes, though bright and youthful, seemed to pierce through the darkness. His gray hair, untamed, suggested a life lived outside the constraints of the world, seeking solace in the wild.