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.
Groups, often regardless of political affiliation, are fighting back in town council meetings and local government sessions where most of these projects are approved.
From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026
The latest unrest comes as political parties gear up for local government elections in November.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Cosla resources spokesman Ricky Bell said the report "quite rightly" expresses grave concern for local government finance over the medium term.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 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
Enfolded in them were mountains, and a river, and enough villages to make him a local government unto himself.
From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri
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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.