English Reference
adjective · noun

senior

adj. · n.
US /ˈsinjɝ/ UK /sˈiːnjɐ/ se·nior UK spelling senior's, senior's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.having a higher position or more authority in a company or organization.

    adj.holding a superior position, rank, or status within a professional hierarchy.

    Simple

    She was promoted to a senior manager position after five years with the firm.

    In context

    The senior partners met privately to discuss the long-term implications of the proposed merger on the firm's equity structure.

    superiorhigher rankingchief
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.older than someone else, or for people who are older.

    adj.older in years; often used to distinguish between two people with the same name or to describe services for the elderly.

    Simple

    The local community center offers a senior exercise class every Tuesday morning.

    In context

    The senior Mr. Reynolds retired to the coast, leaving the day-to-day operations of the family estate to his son.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    adj.related to the last year of high school or university.

    adj.pertaining to the final year of a four-year academic program in high school or college.

    Simple

    He is excited about his senior prom at the end of the year.

    In context

    During her senior year, she balanced a heavy course load with several internship applications and graduate school interviews.

    final year
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate American English

    n.a person who is old, especially someone who has retired from work.

    n.an elderly person, typically one who has reached the age of retirement.

    Simple

    The pharmacy offers a ten percent discount to seniors on Wednesdays.

    In context

    The city council is debating new funding for transportation services specifically designed to help seniors reach medical appointments.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    n.a student who is in their last year of high school or university.

    n.a student in the fourth and final year of a standard secondary or collegiate curriculum.

    Simple

    The seniors are busy preparing their final projects before graduation in June.

    In context

    As a senior, he felt a strange mix of nostalgia and relief while walking across the campus for his final exam.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who has a higher position than you at work.

    n.a person who is superior to another in rank, standing, or length of service.

    Simple

    If you have a problem with the project, you should speak to your senior.

    In context

    The new recruits were encouraged to seek mentorship from their seniors to better understand the company's internal culture.

Usage seniors avoid · senior author · senior lecturer

How is parkour helping these seniors avoid injuries?

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated