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
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The highly unusual step — a sitting alderman accused of punishing critics with his official powers then filing suit against the city — follows years of Gardiner repeatedly focusing on the situation in the City Council chambers. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 Several aldermen raised concerns about what seems to be a lack of urgency from the Johnson administration. Megan De Mar, CBS News, 12 May 2026 Milwaukee alderman Peter Burgelis is launching a campaign for Congress to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, who immediately made his residency outside the district an issue in the race. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 26 Apr. 2026 Two Chicago City Council aldermen posted on social media about the incident. Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 Apr. 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 May. 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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