DictionaryAI

elder

USEL-dur/ˈɛldɚ/UKEL-duh/ˈɛldə/

Pluralelders

11 meanings of elder

Practice

  1. 1
    respected leadernouncountable
    An older, respected member of a group who others go to for advice.

    Like a wise grandparent the whole village turns to for help.

    The village elder settled disputes between neighbors.

    People came from far away to ask the elders for advice.

    UsageSay the village elders.

    Note
  2. 2
    older (sibling)adjective
    Comparative of old. Use it mainly for older family members (my elder sister), never with than.

    My elder brother taught me how to ride a bike.

    Her elder sister lives in another city now.

    UsageSay older than, but my elder sister.

  3. 3
    old personnounUScountable
    Someone who has reached old age.

    The center offers free meals for elders in the neighborhood.

    Every elder deserves to be treated with kindness.

    UsageSome people like elders, but others do not. Older adults is a neutral choice.

    Similarsenior

    Oppositeyoungster

    Note
  4. 4
    nouncountableplural
    A person who is older than someone else.

    He is my elder by two years, so he started school first.

    The children were told to listen to their elders.

    UsageSay respect your elders.

    Similarsenior

    Oppositejunior

    Note
  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A leader in some Christian churches who helps run the church or leads services.

    The elders met to plan the church budget for next year.

    Each new elder is chosen by the congregation.

  6. 6
    nouncountable
    A small tree or bush with flat groups of white flowers and small dark berries called elderberries.

    An elder grew beside the old stone wall in the yard.

    We picked berries from the elder in the fall.

    Note
  7. 7
    noun
    A man with a certain rank in the Mormon church's higher priesthood, also a title for young male missionaries and top leaders.

    Elder Johnson spent the morning teaching a family about his faith.

    Everyone in the branch greeted Elder Marquez warmly.

    UsageSay Elder + the surname.

    Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–5, 7–10

From Old English eldra, meaning older, from an older Germanic word.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Meaning 6

From Old English ellærn, the name of the elder tree.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts