alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər 

: any of a genus (Alnus) of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs of the birch family that have catkins which become woody, that typically grow in cool moist ground, and that have wood used especially in turnery

also : its wood

Examples of alder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This zone is characterized by deciduous trees such as dogwood, alder, and aspen surrounded by conifer forest. —Worth Matthewson, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025

There are several varieties that feed on apple, pear, elm, alder, beech, hawthorn, and silver maple trees. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025

Other trees are giant sequoias, redwoods, alders, Japanese black pines and Arran whitebeans, endemic to the Isle of Arran, says Leddy. —Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Best Colors for Wood Cabinets with Orange Undertones Mahogany, honey oak, and alder cabinets have orange undertones that pair well with blue walls—orange's complement. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English alor; akin to Old High German elira alder, Latin alnus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alder

• black alder

Rhymes for alder

• balder

Kids Definition

alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər 

: any of a genus of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs related to the birches

Biographical Definition

Alder

biographical name

Al·​der ˈäl-dər 

Kurt 1902–1958 German chemist