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Selectman: meaning, definitions and examples

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selectman

 

[ sɪˈlɛkt.mən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

government position

A selectman is an elected official in local government, typically found in New England towns in the United States. They serve on a board that oversees the administration of local governmental duties and decisions. Their responsibilities often include managing budgets, making policy decisions, and representing the community in governmental affairs. The position may vary in title and function depending on the specific town and state regulations.

Synonyms

alderman, board member, councilman

Examples of usage

  • The selectman proposed a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
  • She was elected as the town's selectman after a competitive election.
  • The selectman's role is crucial in shaping local policies.

Translations

Translations of the word "selectman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 membro da câmara municipal

🇮🇳 चुनावित सदस्य

🇩🇪 Ratsherr

🇮🇩 anggota dewan

🇺🇦 член ради

🇵🇱 członek rady

🇯🇵 市議会議員

🇫🇷 membre du conseil municipal

🇪🇸 miembro del concejo

🇹🇷 belediye meclisi üyesi

🇰🇷 시의회 의원

🇸🇦 عضو المجلس البلدي

🇨🇿 člen zastupitelstva

🇸🇰 člen zastupiteľstva

🇨🇳 市议员

🇸🇮 član občinskega sveta

🇮🇸 fulltrúi sveitarfélags

🇰🇿 қала кеңесінің мүшесі

🇬🇪 მუნიციპალური საბჭოს წევრი

🇦🇿 bələdiyyə üzvü

🇲🇽 miembro del concejo

Etymology

The term 'selectman' has its roots in the early governing structures of colonial New England, deriving from the verb 'select', which means to choose or pick out. In the 17th century, towns were established where local governance was crucial for managing community affairs. Selectmen were chosen by the townspeople to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. Over the centuries, the term has remained in use to describe local officials in various towns, especially in New England, where town meetings and direct democracy are traditional practices. The role has evolved, but the core responsibilities of selecting and managing local government continue to be relevant today.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,286 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.