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
ˌȯl-dər-ˈma-nik How to pronounce alderman (audio)
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.
At the time, Johnson’s budget team warned the sale of debt like decade-old vehicle tickets would not bring in the $90 million aldermen counted on, a prediction the new memo says is proving true. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Tunney served as alderman representing much of the Lakeview community for 20 years, all while also running the Ann Sather restaurants. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 The board of aldermen is expected to conduct a final vote to approve the Agora KC pickleball complex on July 28. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 23 July 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

Rhymes for alderman

See All Rhymes for alderman

Browse Nearby Words

alderliefest
alderman
aldermaness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alderman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alderman. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alderman

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

Legal Definition

alderman

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

More from Merriam-Webster on alderman

Nglish: Translation of alderman for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alderman

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