olden
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for olden, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Belonging to an earlier, often romanticized, era; used mainly in the phrase "olden days".
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
youngen
Etymology
From Middle English olden, originally a form of "old" that later came to be read as "old" plus the suffix "-en".
Full origin of olden →Frequently asked questions
What does “olden” mean?
The word “olden” means belonging to an earlier, often romanticized, era; used mainly in the phrase "olden days". In plain terms, a slightly poetic or old-fashioned way to say "of long ago" — mostly survives in the set phrase "the olden days".
How do you pronounce “olden”?
“Olden” is pronounced OHL-dn (/ˈoʊldn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “olden” in a sentence?
Here is “olden” used in a sentence: “Grandad loved telling stories about the olden days.”
What is another word for “olden”?
Words with a similar meaning to “olden” include historical and eldern.
What is the opposite of “olden”?
The opposite of “olden” — its antonyms — is youngen.
What part of speech is “olden”?
Depending on how it is used, “olden” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “olden” come from?
The word “olden” comes from Middle English. From Middle English olden, originally a form of "old" that later came to be read as "old" plus the suffix "-en".
How many meanings does “olden” have?
“Olden” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to an earlier, often romanticized, era; used mainly in the phrase "olden days".
