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.
The measure halting the gradual raises approved by the City Council in 2023 passed in a 30-to-18 vote, leaving its supporters four aldermen short of the supermajority needed to overturn a Johnson veto. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 The alderman pitched himself as a fresh and new choice for county leadership, while the incumbent touts her expertise and experience at the helm. Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 Hallquist is running for mayor while in his sixth year as a District 4 alderman. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Diehl formerly served as an alderman for Town and Country, an affluent suburb west of downtown St. Louis, and was the chairman of the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners, according to prosecutors. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 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 22 Mar. 2026.

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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