An elder is someone older than you, or specifically, an older person in a community who is respected for their experience and wisdom. In many cultures, elders play special roles: they might settle disagreements, teach traditional skills, or share stories that preserve history. A tribe's elders might gather to make important decisions, or a family's elders might be consulted about major choices.

When you show respect to your elders, you're recognizing that their years of experience have taught them things you haven't learned yet.

In some churches, an elder is a leader who helps guide the congregation. The word can also describe the older of two people: your elder sister was born before you.

Elder also refers to a type of shrub with white flowers and dark berries. Elderberries are sometimes made into jam or syrup.

You'll notice that calling someone an elder sounds more respectful than just calling them “old.” That's because the word carries the idea that age brings something valuable: knowledge, perspective, and wisdom earned through years of living.