Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a municipal legislative body: An "alderman" is an elected official who serves as a member of the governing council of a city, town, or other municipality. In many systems, aldermen represent specific districts or wards within the municipality.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The alderman proposed a new ordinance to improve local parks.
  • Residents of the third ward will meet with their alderman to discuss traffic concerns.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Commonwealth Context: In some historical contexts and in certain Commonwealth countries, the term "alderman" may refer to a senior member of a council, often elected by other councilors rather than directly by the public, or one who has held the office of mayor.
  • After serving as mayor, he was appointed an alderman for life.

Variants and Related Words

• Aldermen: The plural form of "alderman".
  • The board of aldermen voted on the budget last night.

Synonyms

• Councilor: A member of a council.
• City father: An informal term for a senior municipal official.

Related Phrases

• Board of Aldermen: The collective body of aldermen forming the legislative arm of a municipal government.
  • The issue was debated by the full board of aldermen.

Noun

1. a member of a municipal legislative body (as a city council)
   • aldermen usually represent city wards