DictionaryAI

borough

noun
USBUR-oh/ˈbʌɹ.oʊ/UKBU-ruh/ˈbʌ.ɹə/

Pluralboroughs

5 meanings of borough

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable
    One of the areas that a big city like London or New York is divided into, with its own local government.

    Each borough in London has its own council.

    She moved to a quieter borough on the edge of London.

    UsageNot borrow (take and give back) and not burrow (an animal's hole).

    Similardistrict

  2. 2
    nouncountable
    A town, especially one that has its own local government and special rights.

    The little town became a borough and could now choose its own mayor.

    This borough has kept its right to hold a market every Saturday.

    Similartown, municipality

  3. 3
    Alaskanouncountable
    In Alaska, an area with its own local government, a lot like a county.

    He works at the borough office in a small Alaska town.

    Alaska has boroughs instead of counties.

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    walled townnounobsolete
    A town with strong walls or other defenses to keep enemies out.
    Note
  2. 5
    nounBritish
    A group of men who promised the king that the others in the group would behave well.

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Origin

From Old English burh, from an old Germanic word meaning "stronghold" or "city".

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts