elder

el-der · adjective/noun

imported

Definitions

adjective/noun

  1. 1.

    (Of a person) older; senior (used especially of siblings).

  2. 2.

    A person who is older than someone.

  3. 3.

    A leader or senior figure in a group, organization, or community.

  4. 4.

    A shrub or small tree with white flowers and dark berries (elderberry).

Forms

plural: elders

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    elder statesman — a respected senior figure in politics or another field
  • •
    respect one's elders — show deference to older people
  • •
    village elder — a senior figure in a community

Related words

Antonyms: junior, younger
See also: elderly, elders, eldest, older
Synonyms: older, senior

Etymology

From Old English eldra, comparative of eald ("old"). Related to German älter ("older").