elder

1. comparativecomparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.

   The elder of the two was also an elder statesman.

   2 more examples

   It's typical for elder married couples to live in retirement homes.

   She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination. The elder woman returned with dressings and a sponge, which she placed on a chair.

   1913, Robert Barr, chapter 5, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad

2. card gamesCloser to the dealer, i.e. receiving cards earlier than others.

   The deal fell to Copling and the automaton therefore had the first "elder hand," with the advantage of a discard of five cards against its opponent's three.

   1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC

   Synonyms: senior · Antonyms: junior, younger

plural elders

1. A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected as an authority figure, especially in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.

   We were presented to the village elder.

   4 more examples

   At the friendship centre, you can arrange to meet with a social worker or an elder.

   People saw in the elders, who were closer to death, the manifestation of the divine force that was thought to achieve its full liberation at death.

   1995, Julius Evola, “The Two Paths in the Afterlife”, in Guido Stucco, transl., Revolt against the Modern World, Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions International, translation of Rivolta contro il mondo moderno, →ISBN, page 50

   I probably wouldn't be here talking about this very topic if it weren't for the few but mighty elders in the tech and gender rights spaces. Folks like South Africa-based Jan Moolman from the Association for Progressive Communications[…]

   2022 August 25, Seyi Akiwowo, How to Stay Safe Online: A digital self-care toolkit for developing resilience and allyship, Penguin UK, →ISBN

   Fashion elder compères his own celebration of designs revived from his archive by design director Sam Cotton[.]

   2026 January 17, Lauren Cochrane, “Paul Smith reworks his past at Milan menswear salon show”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

2. USAn old person.

   Treating illness among society’s elders is challenging since board-certified geriatricians (physicians trained, knowledgeable and certified in treating older patients) are in short supply, here in El Paso and throughout the country.

   2022, Ruth Taber, “Opinion: We’ll be healthier and happier if we adjust our thinking about aging”, in El Paso Matters

   Synonyms: eld

3. in pluralrelationalOne who is older than another.

   Respect your elders.

4. One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.

   Carry your Head[…] as your Elders have done.

   1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: antecessor

5. An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.
6. A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.

   a travelling elder

7. obsoleteTyndale Bible; also puristic; Tyndale Bible; also puristicA priest.
8. MormonismUSOne ordained to the lowest office in the Melchizedek priesthood.

   Jack had been an elder for only a few days when he received a new calling.

   1 more example

   After being a member of the Church for a while, Bill was ordained to the office of elder.

9. MormonismUSA male missionary.

   The elders are coming over for dinner tonight.

10. MormonismcapitalizedoftenTitle for a male missionary; title for a general authority.

    One of the long-time leaders in the Church is Elder Packer.

11. GermaniclifestyleA pagan or Heathen priest or priestess.

present singular third person elders · participle present eldering · participle past eldered · past eldered

1. QuakerismTo admonish or reprove for improper conduct by the elders of the meeting.

   I was eldered for directly responding to someone else's message in meeting for worship.

plural elders

1. A small tree, Sambucus nigra, having white flowers in a cluster, and edible purple berries.

   Have a tree or two the witches particularly like, such as the alder, larch, cypress and hemlock; then, to counteract any possible evil effects, there must be a holly, yew, hazel, elder, mountain ash or juniper.

   1940, Rosetta E. Clarkson, Green Enchantments: The Magic Spell of Gardens, The Macmillan Company, page 273

   Synonyms: black elder

2. Any of the other species of the genus Sambucus: small trees, shrubs or herbaceous perennials with red, purple, or white and yellow berries (some of which are poisonous).

1. A cow's udder, especially used as food.

alternative Yelder

1. A surname.

   Ruth Elder was known for her beauty and acting, but her real dream was to become the female version of transatlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh.

   2016 November 15, Karla Pequenino, “The women pilots that history forgot”, in CNN