alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən 

1

: a person governing a kingdom, district, or shire as viceroy for an Anglo-Saxon king

2

a

: a magistrate formerly ranking next below the mayor in an English or Irish city or borough

b

: a high-ranking member of a borough or county council in Ireland or formerly in England chosen by elected members

3

: a member of a city legislative body

aldermanic

ˌȯl-dər-ˈma-nik 

adjective

Examples of alderman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first-term North Side alderman has now served two stints as interim chair — first for 10 months after former Ald. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

Hallquist, who has served as alderman since 2020, advocates for more efficient government and affordable housing and leans more progressive than most of his fellow council members. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Kendrick is currently a Grandview alderman and is simultaneously running for re-election to the seat. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

Several aldermen have pushed for stronger measures following past incidents that have resulted in injuries and, in some cases, deadly violence. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ealdorman, from ealdor parent (from eald old) + man — more at old

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alderman

• aldermen

Kids Definition

alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən 

: a member of a city legislative body

aldermanic

ˌȯl-dər-ˈman-ik 

adjective

Legal Definition

alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən 

: a member of a city legislative body