elder

1 of 3

noun (1)

el·​der ˈel-dər How to pronounce elder (audio)

elder

2 of 3

adjective

1
: of earlier birth or greater age
his elder brother
2
: of or relating to earlier times : former
3
archaic : of or relating to a more advanced time of life
4
: prior or superior in rank, office, or validity

elder

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: one living in an earlier period
2
a
: one who is older : senior
a child trying to please her elders
b
: an aged person
3
: one having authority by virtue of age and experience
the village elders
4
: any of various officers of religious groups: such as
b
: a permanent officer elected by a Presbyterian congregation and ordained to serve on the session and assist the pastor at communion
d
: a leader of the Shakers
e
: a Mormon ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood
eldership noun

Examples of elder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But in an example of how scientists can create better connections even with remote communities, Carla Handley of Arizona State University readily agreed in 2017 to share the results of her genetics research on the Borana ethnic group in northern Kenya, at community elders’ request. Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2024 The Results For many elders, there is a period of adjustment after giving up the too-large house that varies with the individual. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 McAuley says senior centers are where elders can get information about programs through their local governments, and adds that church youth groups often provide assistance in inclement weather and during the winter season. Carley Thornell, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Other customs associated with Lunar New Year celebrations include the giving of red envelopes containing money, usually by elders to younger members of the family. Mario Poceski, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2024 Charity is an elder whose 14-year-old grandson, Cole Allen, has been involved with The Males Place for the past few years. Jodie Valade, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024 True succession planning requires a calm, strategic mindset, inspired by practices like those of the Shaolin temple and First Nations wisdom elders who plan with a vision extending over generations. Satyen Raja, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 In 2021, for example, elders in Sanikiluaq were worried the local reindeer population had thinned, so the Hunters and Trappers Association used Siku to survey hunters and look at recent reported harvest rates. Hannah Hoag, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 Take an interest in what elders or those with more experience can contribute. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024
Adjective
The Red Sox elder statesman had gotten to first base in the mid-June matchup, but dissatisfied, broke for second well before the Yankees pitcher started his windup. Varun Shankar, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Aug. 2023 Because of a shortage of elder-care infrastructure and workers, many of them will face the disease with far too little support. Marion Renault, The New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2022 In 1988, Rinke's elder brother and two other pilots died when their training flight crashed just after takeoff at what was then Oakland-Pontiac Airport in Waterford. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2022 In October 2021, Representative John Larsen (D–CT) introduced a comprehensive plan to save Social Security and eliminate elder poverty. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English eldre, from Old English ellærn; perhaps akin to Old English alor alder — more at alder

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English ieldra, comparative of eald old

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

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

Noun (2)

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of elder was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near elder

Cite this Entry

“Elder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elder. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

elder

1 of 3 noun
el·​der ˈel-dər How to pronounce elder (audio)

elder

2 of 3 adjective
: of greater age
the elder cousin

elder

3 of 3 noun
1
: one who is older : senior
2
: a person having authority because of age and experience
the village elders
3
: any of various church officers
eldership noun
Etymology

Noun

Old English ellærn "elder tree"

Adjective

Old English ieldra, comparative form of eald "old"

Medical Definition

elder

noun
el·​der ˈel-dər How to pronounce elder (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on elder

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