alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər How to pronounce alder (audio)
: 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
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.
Wauwatosa budget passes following discussion over 'misinformation' claims The Wauwatosa Common Council approved the executive budget in a 14-2 vote, with alders Makhlouf and Andrew Meindl voting no. Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024 Bob Dunn, 68, was struck and pinned down by an alder tree that was roughly 20 inches in diameter. Charna Flam, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 An early test could differentiate between recordings of alder flycatchers and willow flycatchers. Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 In response, 41 alders scheduled a hearing to learn more about the nominees and asked the mayor to encourage them to attend. Monica Eng, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alder 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alder was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near alder

Cite this Entry

“Alder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alder. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alder

noun
al·​der ˈȯl-dər How to pronounce alder (audio)
: any of a genus of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs related to the birches

Biographical Definition

Alder

biographical name

Al·​der ˈäl-dər How to pronounce Alder (audio)
Kurt 1902–1958 German chemist

More from Merriam-Webster on alder

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