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Alderman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alderman

[หˆษ”หldษ™rmษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

local government

An elected member of a municipal council.

Synonyms

city council member, councilman, councilwoman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alderman

Primarily used in the UK and some parts of the US, 'alderman' refers to a member of a municipal council. Suitable in historical or formal contexts, especially when referring to traditional titles.

  • John was appointed as an alderman for his extensive public service.
  • The alderman attended the cityโ€™s annual budget meeting.
councilman

Used to refer specifically to a male member of a city council. Suitable in less formal contexts or when gender specificity is important.

  • The councilman gave a speech at the community center.
  • As a councilman, he worked hard to improve public safety.
councilwoman

Refers specifically to a female member of a city council. Appropriate in less formal contexts or when highlighting gender is important.

  • The councilwoman proposed a new public health initiative.
  • Residents praised the councilwoman for her dedication.
city council member

This is a gender-neutral term commonly used in modern contexts in the US to refer to any member of a city council, without specifying gender. Suitable for official documents and inclusive communication.

  • The city council member voted in favor of the new park project.
  • Each city council member represents a different district.

Examples of usage

  • The alderman proposed a new ordinance at the city council meeting.
  • The alderman represents the interests of his constituents in local government.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'alderman'

The term 'alderman' originated from Old English 'aldormann', which means 'elder' or 'chief'. In medieval England, aldermen were respected senior members of the community who served as leaders in local government. Over time, the role of aldermen evolved to represent specific districts or wards in municipal councils.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,702, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.