Mayor Meaning: Definition and Role of a City Leader

Meaning 1：elected city leader (mayor)

mayor 🔊

/ˈmeɪər/

The person elected to be the head of a city or town's government, like its leader.

Mayor speaking to citizens at town hall podium

elected city leader 🔊

➕

/ɪˈlɛktɪd ˈsɪti ˈliːdər/

The person chosen by voters to serve as the head of a city or town's government, responsible for local administration and representing the community.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'maior' (greater) → Old French 'maire' → English 'mayor'. Comparative of 'magnus'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'major' – the mayor is a major figure in the town. Remember: MAyor = MAjor leader.

📖 Example

The new mayor held a town hall meeting to discuss plans for a new public park. 🔊 The new mayor held a town hall meeting to discuss plans for a new public park.

🔗 Collocations

mayor of the city – the mayor who governs a specific city

elect a mayor – to choose a mayor through voting

the mayor's office – the official workplace or administrative headquarters of the mayor

🔄 Synonyms

city manager (n.) – An appointed official who runs the daily operations of a city, similar to a mayor but not elected.

town administrator (n.) – A person who manages the administrative affairs of a town, often serving under the mayor.

chief executive of a city (n.) – The top executive authority in a municipal government, usually the mayor.

🚫 Antonyms

private citizen (n.) – An ordinary person who does not hold any public office or governmental role.

🌱 Derivatives

mayoral (adj.) – Relating to a mayor or the office of mayor.

mayoralty (n.) – The position or term of office of a mayor.

mayoress (n.) – A female mayor or the wife of a mayor (less common, often used historically).

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'maior' meaning 'greater', it evolved through Old French 'maire' to refer to the highest-ranking city official. The term reflects the historical view of a mayor as the 'greater' citizen.