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

Now, George Cardenas, a former alderman and current commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, has thrown his hat in the ring. —Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

The mayor and city aldermen also did not respond to messages. —Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Alderwoman Jill Zuccardy expressed her disappointment with her fellow aldermen for the no-confidence resolution and the behavior by some community members in attendance during the meeting. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026

According to the alderman's office, Sigcho-Lopez and his three children were asleep inside the home at the time. —Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 13 June 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