Real Dictionary

elder
The elder of two people is the one who was born first.
countable noun: A person's elder is someone who is older than them, especially someone quite a lot older.
countable noun: In some Christian churches, an elder is one of the people who hold a position of responsibility, but not usually a minister.
countable noun: In some societies, an elder is one of the respected older people who have influence and authority.
variable noun: An elder is a bush or small tree which has groups of small white flowers and black berries.

elder in American English 1
an older person
born or brought forth earlier than another or others; exceeding another in age; senior; older
of greater age; older
noun: a person who is older or higher in rank than oneself

elder in American English 2
any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs and small trees of the honeysuckle family, with compound leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white flowers followed by red or purple berries
noun: any tree or shrub belonging to the genus Sambucus, of the honeysuckle family, having pinnate leaves, clusters of white flowers, and red or black, berrylike fruit

Elder in British English
noun: Sir Mark Philip. born 1947, British conductor; musical director of the English National Opera (1979–93) and of the Hallé Orchestra from 2000

elder in British English 1
adjective: born earlier; senior
noun: an older person; one's senior

elder in British English 2
noun: any of various caprifoliaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Sambucus, having clusters of small white flowers and red, purple, or black berry-like fruits