alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən 

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 

adjective

Examples of alderman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Felix Cardona, 31st, a Northwest Side Latino alderman typically at odds with Johnson who sought to gain enough council support to take the seat with or without the mayor’s backing. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2024

In Milwaukee's southwest suburbs, former Milwaukee alderman and current Republican state Rep. Bob Donovan fended off primary challenger and MMA instructor Martin Tontoe Gomez. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2024

The agency is also preparing for some equipment to go to DNC use, though CTA President Dorval Carter has promised aldermen the transit agency would be able to run buses and trains during the convention with minimal effects on everyday passengers. —Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2024

Johnson worked as a staff assistant in the mayor's office and later served as a city alderman before becoming mayor. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 14 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən 

: a member of a city legislative body

aldermanic

ˌȯl-dər-ˈman-ik 

adjective

Legal Definition

alderman

noun

al·​der·​man ˈȯl-dər-mən 

: a member of a city legislative body