senior
word
Definition
Used for someone who is older, has a higher rank or more experience, or is in the final year of high school or college. The exact meaning depends on the context.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in work contexts: 'senior manager', 'senior role', 'senior engineer' usually mean higher level or more experienced, not necessarily older. In family use, 'my senior' or 'senior to' is more formal; everyday English often says 'older than'. In US school contexts, a 'senior' is a student in the final year.
Example Sentences
I thought he was the senior person in the meeting, but he was actually the newest hire.
natural
That decision has to go through senior management first.
natural
Back when I was a senior, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation.
natural
My senior at work helped me learn the job.
basic
She is a senior engineer on our team.
basic
His sister is a senior in college.
basic