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

While aldermen plan to press forward with a final vote on the alternative budget on Saturday, the mayor suggested negotiations over the budget will continue. —Megan De Mar, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

One flash grenade exploded just a foot away from him, said the alderman, who represents Chicago’s 22nd ward, sending him ducking for cover. —Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

Two alderman — Mark Chambers and Alex Brower — agreed with Maistelman that ELMNT shouldn't lose its license over violence that happened outside the club, and voted against revocation. —Angelika Ytuarte, jsonline.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Bush told the aldermen he's tried to use his vacation days. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Oct. 2025

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