alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər 

: any of a genus (Alnus) of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs of the birch family that have catkins which become woody, that typically grow in cool moist ground, and that have wood used especially in turnery

also : its wood

Examples of alder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The three of us tramped through stands of alder and shafts of sunlight. —Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

The surprise closures caused backups and delays for hours and prompted fierce backlash from alders. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024

Powering out of it, the pilot was able to recover, clear a tall stand of alders and bank around for another landing attempt. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2024

Varieties of native oak, maple, aspen, and alder put on a spectacle this time of year, particularly in our parklands. —Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English alor; akin to Old High German elira alder, Latin alnus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alder

• black alder

Kids Definition

alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər 

: any of a genus of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs related to the birches

Biographical Definition

Alder

biographical name

Al·​der ˈäl-dər 

Kurt 1902–1958 German chemist