borough

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal

n. a town that has its own local government and special rights.

n. a town or village that is an incorporated municipality, often possessing a royal charter or specific legal status.

“The small borough held a meeting to discuss the new park rules.”

“Historically, the borough was granted the right to hold a weekly market by a royal decree in the fourteenth century.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun American English · Technical

n. the name for a large area or county in the state of Alaska.

n. a primary administrative division in the state of Alaska, functionally equivalent to a county in other US states.

“The North Slope Borough is the northernmost part of the United States.”

“Unlike most other states that use counties, Alaska is partitioned into organized boroughs and one unorganized borough covering the remainder of the territory.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic

n. an old word for a town with walls or a fort for protection.

n. a fortified town or stronghold; the historical root of the modern administrative term.

“The ancient borough was built on a hill to watch for enemies.”

“The suffix '-burgh' in many Scottish place names originates from the medieval borough, which served as a defensive and commercial hub.”