# Mayor

/ˈmeɪɝ/ (US) · /mˈeə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mayor
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. city leader

noun · CEFR B1

the person who is the head of a city or town government.

For teachers: the chief executive official of a city, borough, or municipal corporation.

- The mayor promised to build more parks during her election campaign.
- The mayor presided over the council meeting, addressing concerns regarding the proposed zoning changes in the historic district.

### 2. ceremonial leader

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a person who represents a city at official events but does not have much real power.

For teachers: a largely ceremonial position in certain municipal structures where a city manager handles executive duties.

- In this town, the mayor mainly attends parades and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
- While the city manager oversees daily operations, the mayor serves as the public face of the community at international summits.

### 3. local big shot

noun · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Informal

someone who acts like they are the most important person in a specific place or group.

For teachers: a person who is perceived as a local VIP or influential figure within a specific social circle.

- He thinks he's the mayor of this coffee shop because he's here every day.
- Ever since he won the local golf tournament, he's been acting like the mayor of the clubhouse.

## Examples

- The mayor gave a speech about the new park.
- After the heavy snowstorm, the mayor held a press conference to explain the city's plan for clearing the streets.
- While the role is often ceremonial in smaller districts, the mayor of a major metropolis wields significant influence over urban planning, public safety, and the local economy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.