any old

1 of 2

phrase (1)

used to describe someone or something that is not special or specific
Don't get dressed up. Any old thing will do.
He won't drink just any old tea.
Give me pie over cake any old day.

any old

2 of 2

phrase (2)

variants or less commonly any ol' or any ole
informal
used to describe someone or something that is not special or specific
I don't care where I sleep. Any old couch will do.
She won't drink just any old tea; it has to be a certain kind.
Give me beer over champagne any old day (of the week).

Examples of any old in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Phrase
But the audience at Disney’s D23 Expo isn’t just any old crowd, and its superfans are central to Disney’s strategic parks investments — some $60 billion planned over a decade. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 Cut Your Note Into a Shape Don’t just grab any old sticky note for your lunch box note. Sarah Scott, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026 That said, there are several plants that are considered staples in any old-fashioned garden that can help give you a head start on the look. The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 But there is an old belief that any old movie distribution guy will tell you — and it has been borne out in a big way this summer — which is that a rising tide lifts all boats. Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for any old

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase (1)

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of any old was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Any old.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/any%20old. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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