Municipal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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municipal

[mjuːˈnɪsɪpəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

government

Relating to a city or town, especially its governing body.

Synonyms

city, local, town.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
municipal

This term is typically used in official or formal contexts when referring to services or government actions related to a specific city or town.

  • The municipal government announced new regulations for waste management.
  • Municipal services include trash collection and water supply.
city

This word is commonly used to describe larger and more densely populated areas with many amenities and services.

  • New York is a bustling city with a population of over 8 million people.
  • The city council will discuss the new budget next week.
town

Town is generally used to describe smaller urban areas that are larger than villages but smaller than cities.

  • She lives in a quaint town with a population of about 5,000 people.
  • The town hall meeting will address the community's concerns.
local

This term is used to describe anything related to a specific area, often smaller than a city, including businesses, news, and events.

  • I love shopping at the local farmers' market.
  • Local news channels are covering the story extensively.

Examples of usage

  • municipal elections are held every four years
  • municipal services include garbage collection and road maintenance
Context #2 | Noun

government

A local governing body, such as a city council.

Synonyms

city council, local government.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
municipal

Used in formal or legal texts to refer to something that relates specifically to a city or town and its governing body.

  • The municipal regulations require all businesses to close by midnight.
  • She was hired by the municipal government to improve public transportation.
local government

Broad term that refers to all forms of government administration at the local level, including cities, towns, counties, and districts. Suitable for discussing localized governance in general terms.

  • The local government is responsible for maintaining public safety.
  • Funding for public schools is managed by the local government.
city council

Refers to the elected body that makes decisions and policies for a city. Used in contexts involving legislative or decision-making processes within a city.

  • The city council approved the new park project.
  • Residents are encouraged to attend the city council meeting to voice their concerns.

Examples of usage

  • the municipal is responsible for approving the annual budget
  • contact your municipal for more information

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Government Structure

  • Municipalities are typically the lowest level of government that manages local issues like schools, streets, and public safety.
  • They can be cities, towns, or other smaller administrative divisions.
  • In many countries, municipal governments operate independently of regional or national governments.

Civic Engagement

  • Local elections often emphasize municipal issues, allowing residents to vote on specific community matters.
  • Municipal councils are responsible for creating and enforcing local laws, known as ordinances.
  • Community involvement in municipal decisions can lead to more tailored solutions for local needs.

Urban Planning

  • Municipal planning involves designing city layouts, parks, and public transport systems for efficient community living.
  • Zoning laws, which dictate how land can be used, are also a key responsibility of municipal governments.
  • Sustainable municipal planning aims to reduce environmental impacts and improve quality of life.

Cultural Significance

  • Municipal art often reflects the local culture, with public artworks and festivals showcasing community identity.
  • Many municipalities host events like farmers' markets or parades that foster community spirit.
  • Local libraries, museums, and parks funded by municipal governments serve as cultural hubs for residents.

Origin of 'municipal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'municipalis', which means 'pertaining to a community' or 'from a city'.
  • The Latin root 'municipium' referred to a self-governing city or town in ancient Rome.
  • It has been used in various languages, showing its long-standing importance in governance.

The word 'municipal' has its roots in Latin 'municipalis', which means 'of a free town or city'. It originated from 'municipium', a Roman term for a town or city with self-governing rights. Over time, the term evolved to refer to local government entities and their related activities.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,685, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.