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.
Victim update The victim was hospitalized following the shooting but has since been released, says Debra Silverstein, the alderman representing Chicago’s 50th Ward, where the shooting took place. Hanna Park, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024 Public comment at times grew hostile, as parents and aldermen brought up the background of Rev. Johnson and accused several of the new board members of being involved in the mayor’s plans to disrupt the school board to push his agenda to take out a loan. Sarah MacAraeg, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2024 Prosecutors allege that the alderman agreed to help steer business to Madigan’s personal law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner, which specializes in challenging property tax bills for its clients. Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Oct. 2024 In Head of State, Rock gave himself the role of Mays Gilliam, a D.C. alderman chosen to run for president on the Democratic ticket. Armond White, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near alderman

Cite this Entry

“Alderman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alderman. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on alderman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!