local government
Americannoun
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the administration of the civic affairs of a city, town, or district by its inhabitants rather than by the state or country at large.
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the governing body of a town or district.
noun
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government of the affairs of counties, towns, etc, by locally elected political bodies
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the US equivalent of local authority
Etymology
Origin of local government
First recorded in 1835–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Healthcare and local government have been big drivers for for new hires this year.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
On public land or highways, responsibility often falls to local government agencies.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Opponents warn the proposal would decimate funding for essential services and reduce local government fiscal autonomy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
While the mayor’s race is getting national attention, voters will also decide a pivotal race for Los Angeles City Council that could have profound influence on the direction of local government.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
They ran the schools and the local government.
From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.