noun
borough
BUH-ruh
noun
1
A town or district with its own local government, especially one of the administrative divisions of a larger city.
"Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City."
"The borough council approved the new park last month."
How to Use Borough
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA town or a self-governing division of a larger city.
UK vs US
In the US it's best known from New York City's five boroughs; in the UK it refers to certain towns and London districts with their own councils.
Common pairings
the five boroughs
borough council
a London borough
Word Forms
boroughs plural
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Brooklyn is one of the five _____ of New York City.
Etymology
From Old English "burh" ("stronghold, fortified town"), related to German "Burg" and the "-burg"/"-bury" endings found in many town names.