Aged means having lived or existed for a long time, becoming old. When cheese is aged, it sits in storage for months or years, developing richer, more complex flavors. Steaks can be aged for a shorter time, like a few weeks.

The word can also describe people who have reached an advanced age. An aged grandfather might move more slowly than he once did, but he carries decades of wisdom and experience. Sometimes you'll see it written as aged followed by a number: “a woman aged 75” simply means she's 75 years old.

Things that have aged often gain character or value. An aged violin might sound warmer than a brand-new one. Aged wood can become stronger and more beautiful. Some things improve with age, while others simply show the marks of time passing.