VocabDictionary

borough

/ˈbʌr.ə/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An administrative division of a city or town, or a town that has its own municipal government.

Example Sentences:
  • “New York City is famously divided into five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.”
  • “The local council is responsible for maintaining the parks and public services within the borough.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “borough”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'burg' or 'burh', meaning a fortified place, citadel, or walled town. It shares a common Germanic root with the German 'Burg' and is related to the verb 'bury', reflecting the historical practice of protecting settlements with earthworks or defensive walls.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'borough' as a 'burrow'—a place where a specific group of people 'burrow' down and live together in their own district.

Frequently Asked Questions About “borough”

1. What is the meaning of “borough” in English?

In English, borough (noun) is defined as: “An administrative division of a city or town, or a town that has its own municipal government.”.

2. How do you use “borough” in a sentence?

“New York City is famously divided into five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.”

3. What are English synonyms of “borough”?

Common synonyms include:district,municipality,precinct,township

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “borough”?

Derived from the Old English 'burg' or 'burh', meaning a fortified place, citadel, or walled town. It shares a common Germanic root with the German 'Burg' and is related to the verb 'bury', reflecting the historical practice of protecting settlements with earthworks or defensive walls.