alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən How to pronounce alderman (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of alderman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Hens may soon rule the roost in Spring Hill as the city's board of mayor and aldermen continue to discuss changes to an ordinance limiting the number of birds allowed on a person's property. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 July 2025 While no formal changes to the city’s short-term rental policy have been discussed, Harrisonville aldermen are considering letting visitors camp in tents in City Park in June 2026, a city spokesperson told The Star. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for alderman

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alderman was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alderman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alderman. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

alderman

noun
al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən How to pronounce alderman (audio)
: a member of a city legislative body
aldermanic adjective

Legal Definition

alderman

noun
al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən How to pronounce alderman (audio)
: a member of a city legislative body

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