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

Chicago aldermen Thursday struck down most of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s last-minute progressive questions to ask voters this autumn, opting instead for a slate mainly of their own making. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Three of the city’s ten aldermen were Black, as was the justice of the peace, the coroner, and a member of the influential board of audit and finance. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026

Reilly, along with aldermen Brian Hopkins (2nd) and Bill Conway (34th) — whose wards also each include part of downtown — are pushing for a significant overnight police presence in the downtown area to last for the entire summer. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 1 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