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

Flowers also is running against Curtis for 18th Ward alderman in next year's election. — Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Besides being the scion of an early giant in the community, Malone served as alderman and on the zoning board for many years. — Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

The board of aldermen is expected to conduct a final vote to approve the Agora KC pickleball complex on July 28. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 23 July 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