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

Two Chicago City Council aldermen posted on social media about the incident. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

Her alderman is trying to get the city to wipe out that bill. —Jermont Terry, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Burke was the 14th Ward alderman for more than half a century. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 19 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

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