# Alderman

/ˈæɫdɝmən/ (US) · /ˈɔːldəmən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alderman
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a member of a city or town council who helps make local laws and decisions. In some places, this person is chosen by other council members rather than by voters.

For teachers: a member of a municipal legislative body, typically ranking below a mayor. Depending on the jurisdiction, the role may be filled through direct election or by appointment from within the council.

## Examples

- The local alderman voted against the new park plan.
- After serving as a community activist for a decade, she was elected as an alderman to represent her ward.
- The city charter specifies that an alderman must reside within the district they represent to ensure they remain accountable to their specific local constituency.

## Usage notes

- The term is increasingly replaced by 'council member' or 'councillor' in many modern jurisdictions to ensure gender neutrality.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.