borough
UK: ˈbʌrə | US: ˈbɜːroʊ
n. a town or district that is an administrative unit, especially in the UK
n. (historical) a fortified town or settlement
n. (US) a municipal corporation in some states
The word "borough" traces back to Old English burh or burg, meaning "fortified town" or "stronghold," derived from Proto-Germanic burgz (fortress). Over time, it evolved to denote administrative divisions in England, retaining its core idea of a defined settlement. The modern spelling "borough" reflects Middle English adjustments, while the morpheme -ugh is a remnant of Old English inflectional endings.
London is divided into 32 boroughs for local governance.
The medieval borough was surrounded by high walls for protection.
She was elected mayor of her home borough last year.
In New York, Manhattan is one of five boroughs.
The charter granted the borough certain trading privileges.