often disparaging
: being or resembling an old woman : of or like that of an old woman
often used to suggest qualities (such as foolishness or prudishness) or conditions (such as mental or physical decline) stereotypically associated with elderly women
anility noun often disparaging

Word History

Etymology

Latin anilis, from anus old woman

First Known Use

circa 1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anile was circa 1624

Dictionary Entries Near anile

Cite this Entry

“Anile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anile. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on anile

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!