First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1elder
noun el·der \ˈel-dər\
Definition of ELDER
: elderberry 2
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Origin of ELDER
Middle English eldre, from Old English ellærn; perhaps akin to Old English alor alder — more at alder
Rhymes with ELDER
2elder
adjective
: of greater age
Full Definition of ELDER
1
: of earlier birth or greater age <his elder brother>
2
: of or relating to earlier times : former
3
archaic : of or relating to a more advanced time of life
4
: prior or superior in rank, office, or validity
See elder defined for English-language learners
Origin of ELDER
Middle English, from Old English ieldra, comparative of eald old
First Known Use: before 12th century
3elder
noun
Definition of ELDER
1
: one living in an earlier period
2
a : one who is older : senior <a child trying to please her elders> b : an aged person
3
: one having authority by virtue of age and experience <the village elders>
4
: any of various officers of religious groups: as a : presbyter 1 b : a permanent officer elected by a Presbyterian congregation and ordained to serve on the session and assist the pastor at communion c : minister 2 d : a leader of the Shakers e : a Mormon ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood
— el·der·ship \-ˌship\ noun
First Known Use of ELDER
before 12th century
ELDER Defined for Kids
1elder
noun el·der \ˈel-dər\
Definition of ELDER for Kids
: elderberry 1
2elder
adjective
Definition of ELDER for Kids
: being older than another person
3elder
noun
Definition of ELDER for Kids
1
: a person who is older
2
: a person having authority because of age and experience <elders of the village>
3
: an official in some churches
Medical Dictionary
elder
noun el·der \ˈel-dər\
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Next Word in the Dictionary: elderberryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: el debabAll Words Near: elder
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