mayor
Americannoun
-
the chief executive official, usually elected, of a city, village, or town.
-
the chief magistrate of a city or borough.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of mayor
First recorded in 1250–1300; from Medieval Latin major major; replacing Middle English mer, mair, from Old French maire
Explanation
The mayor is the leader of a city. He or she heads the city government. Just as a president leads a country, a mayor leads a city. Like other politicians, mayors must run for office and win an election. The word mayor comes from the Old French maire for "head of a city or town government" but most mayors probably like the original meaning, which is "greater, superior." Alas, mayors do run cities but calling them all superior is a stretch! In the United States, the president leads the country, a governor leads a state, and a mayor leads a city. If it’s used as a title for a particular mayor, as in Mayor Smith, it’s capitalized.
Vocabulary lists containing mayor
Citizenship (Civics) - Middle School
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Citizenship (Civics) - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
American Government and Civics, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
On top of that, the city’s first Muslim mayor has repeatedly amplified the Palestinian cause.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
"We look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship," the mayor added.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The DSA did not officially endorse Raman, because she entered the race after the group had issued endorsements and another DSA candidate was also running for mayor.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
Menefee’s win came at the same time as Letitia Plummer, who beat seasoned politician and former Houston mayor, Annise Parker, to become the Democratic nominee for Harris County judge, the highest-ranking official in county government.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
Once we got to his farm, the mayor spun around and looked me in the eye.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
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.
