Municipality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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municipality

[mjuหnษชหˆsษชpษ™lษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

local government

A municipality is a city, town, or other local area that has its own local government to manage local affairs.

Synonyms

city, local government, town.

Examples of usage

  • The municipality voted to increase property taxes.
  • The municipality is responsible for maintaining the local parks and roads.
Context #2 | Noun

organization

A municipality can also refer to the governing body that oversees a particular city or town.

Synonyms

administration, council, local authority.

Examples of usage

  • The municipality passed a new ordinance on recycling.
  • The municipality is hosting a community event next week.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Government Structure

  • Municipalities can vary in size - from a small village with a few hundred people to large cities with millions.
  • Different countries have various forms of municipalities, including cities, towns, boroughs, and districts, each with unique powers and responsibilities.
  • In many places, municipalities have their own elected officials, like mayors and council members, who make decisions for the community.

Cultural Significance

  • Municipalities often manage local culture, including parks, libraries, and events that reflect the community's unique identity.
  • They serve as local hubs for festivals and celebrations, fostering community spirit and engagement among residents.
  • In multicultural areas, municipalities may create programs to support and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of all residents.

Urban Development

  • Municipalities play a crucial role in planning new infrastructure, such as transportation systems, schools, and public services.
  • Zoning laws created by municipalities determine how land can be used, affecting where homes, businesses, and parks can be established.
  • In the age of climate change, municipalities are increasingly focused on sustainability and implementing green initiatives to protect the environment.

Global Examples

  • Cities like Paris and New York City are famous examples of municipalities known for their cultural and economic impact.
  • Some municipalities have adopted innovative governance models, like participatory budgeting, where residents help decide how to spend local money.
  • In many countries, municipalities collaborate in networks to share ideas and resources, enhancing community well-being on a larger scale.

Origin of 'municipality'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'municipalis,' which means 'of a municipality' and relates to how communities govern themselves.
  • In Ancient Rome, 'municipium' referred to towns that had their own laws, much like we see in modern municipalities.
  • The prefix 'mu-' relates to the concept of community, highlighting the cooperative aspect of local governance.

The word 'municipality' originated from the Latin word 'municipalis', which means 'of a citizen of a free town'. It has been used since ancient times to refer to city-states and local governing bodies. The concept of municipalities has evolved over centuries to represent local government units responsible for managing public services and infrastructure.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,819 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.