alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər 

: any of a genus (Alnus) of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs of the birch family that have catkins which become woody, that typically grow in cool moist ground, and that have wood used especially in turnery

also : its wood

Examples of alder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wauwatosa budget passes following discussion over 'misinformation' claims The Wauwatosa Common Council approved the executive budget in a 14-2 vote, with alders Makhlouf and Andrew Meindl voting no. —Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024

Bob Dunn, 68, was struck and pinned down by an alder tree that was roughly 20 inches in diameter. —Charna Flam, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

An early test could differentiate between recordings of alder flycatchers and willow flycatchers. —Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024

In response, 41 alders scheduled a hearing to learn more about the nominees and asked the mayor to encourage them to attend. —Monica Eng, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English alor; akin to Old High German elira alder, Latin alnus

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alder

• black alder

Kids Definition

alder

noun

al·​der ˈȯl-dər 

: any of a genus of toothed-leaved trees or shrubs related to the birches

Biographical Definition

Alder

biographical name

Al·​der ˈäl-dər 

Kurt 1902–1958 German chemist