elder

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈɛldə/, SAMPA: /"Eld@/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈɛldɚ/, SAMPA: /"Eld@`/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (UK)

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• Hyphenation: el‧der

Adjective

Positive old

Comparative older

Superlative oldest

Positive old

Comparative elder

Superlative eldest

1. An elder person is one who is older, usually over 65 years of age, and often used to show respect.
   • Synonym: older

   The white-haired Mandela looked like an elder statesman in his suit and tie.

2. The elder of two people is the one who is older.
   • Synonym: older

   I saw her at a meeting where I had gone with my elder brother.

Noun

Singular elder

Plural elders

Elderberries

1. (countable) Your elder is somebody who is older than you.
   • Synonym: senior
   1. If somebody is $x$ years your elder, they are older than you by $x$ years.
2. (countable) An elder is an older respected person, often a leader.
   • Synonym: senior

   My father is an elder in the local church.

   Aksakal was an elected village elder and an honorable and respectable man.

3. (countable) An elder is a small tree usually with white flowers and black berries.
   • Synonym: elderberry

Related words

• elderly
• old