selectman

American

[si-lekt-muhn] / sɪˈlɛkt mən /

noun

plural

selectmen

(in most New England states) one of a board of town officers chosen to manage certain public affairs.

selectman British

/ sɪˈlɛktmən /

noun

any of the members of the local boards of most New England towns

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of selectman

1625–35, select (adj.) + -man

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.

As selectman, he threatens to co-opt it using eminent domain.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

“It’s a tremendous loss for the town,” first selectman Tim Keeney told reporters on the scene Wednesday morning.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 3, 2024

But first, he must stave off a challenge from Liz Caruso, the first selectman of the tiny town of Caratunk, in the June 14 primary.

From Washington Times • Jun. 11, 2022

"You guys are in a quandary. So are we," selectman Robert Steenson said.

From Fox News • Aug. 4, 2021

“Then watch your words. May I remind you I am a selectman in this town? I am no traitor!”

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023