gerontocracy

noun

ger·​on·​toc·​ra·​cy ˌjer-ən-ˈtä-krə-sē How to pronounce gerontocracy (audio)
plural gerontocracies
: rule by elders
specifically : a form of social organization in which a group of old men or a council of elders dominates or exercises control
gerontocrat noun
gerontocratic adjective

Examples of gerontocracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some political observers have expressed cautious optimism that Biden’s departure from the 2024 race could signal the beginning of the end of America’s gerontocracy, where power has been concentrated among older politicians. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024 The Democratic Party is rebooting; the rest of its gerontocracy will soon follow Biden into retirement. David Von Drehle, Washington Post, 21 July 2024 Zoom out: All three branches of federal government have prompted conversations about America's gerontocracy. April Rubin, Axios, 21 July 2024 Harris would have the advantage of running on the successes of the Biden administration — while, of course, trying to explain away its failings — without that whole gerontocracy thing weighing on her candidacy. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for gerontocracy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gerontocracy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French gérontocratie, from géronto- geronto- + -cratie -cracy

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gerontocracy was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near gerontocracy

Cite this Entry

“Gerontocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerontocracy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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