View source for Elder

=== Pronunciation ===
* {{UK}} {{IPA|/ˈɛldə/}}, {{SAMPA|/"Eld@/}}
* {{US}} {{IPA|/ˈɛldɚ/}}, {{SAMPA|/"Eld@`/}}
* {{audio|en-us-elder.ogg|US}}
* {{audio|LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-elder.wav|UK}}
* {{hyph|el|der}}

== Adjective ==
{{adj|old|older|oldest}}
{{adj|old|elder|eldest}}
# An '''elder''' person is one who is older, usually over 65 years of age, and often used to show [[respect]]. {{syn|older}}
#: ''The white-haired Mandela looked like an '''elder''' statesman in his suit and tie.''
# The '''elder''' of two people is the one who is older. {{syn|older}}
#: ''I saw her at a meeting where I had gone with my '''elder''' brother.''

== Noun ==
{{noun}}
[[File:Elderberries2007-08-12.JPG|thumb|Elderberries]]
# {{countable}} Your '''elder''' is somebody who is older than you.{{syn|senior}}
## If somebody is <math>x</math> years your elder, they are older than you by <math>x</math> years.
# {{countable}} An '''elder''' is an older respected person, often a leader.{{syn|senior}}
#: ''My father is an '''elder''' in the local church.''
#: ''Aksakal was an elected village '''elder''' and an honorable and respectable man.''
# {{countable}} An '''elder''' is a small tree usually with white flowers and black {{r|berr|ies}}. {{syn|elderberry}}

=== Related words ===
* [[elderly]]
* [[old]]

[[Category:People]]