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

Baehr learned that Sharon Lane, a short street north of Capitol Drive between 100th and 103rd streets, was named in 1971 for the daughter of the area's alderman. —Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Given the presence of landmark commissions and hard-to-please neighbors (and city aldermen), common sense improvements at Wrigley Field have always been made despite kicking and screaming. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Many aldermen claim the power of their privilege is their best bet for protecting their wards from unwelcome changes in city policy. —David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

In 2022, Donovan, formerly a longtime Milwaukee alderman, was elected to represent the 84th Assembly District for the city of Greenfield after edging out Democratic candidate Lu Ann Bird. —Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 30 July 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