mayor

noun

may·​or ˈmā-ər  ˈmer 

 especially before names  (ˌ)mer

: an official elected or appointed to act as chief executive or nominal head of a city, town, or borough

mayoral

ˈmā-ə-rəl 

ˈmer-əl;

ˌmā-ˈȯr-əl 

adjective

Examples of mayor in a Sentence

the mayor of New York

Recent Examples on the Web

Here’s what the mayor wants to do and potential pitfalls in the plans: Get rid of the debris The order calls for the city to set up a debris-removal plan immediately to clear properties of toxic materials, which is necessary before any rebuilding can occur. —Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025

Listen to this article An effort by opponents of Mayor Brandon Johnson to water down Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance faltered in the City Council Wednesday, a victory for the mayor as his administration prepares for the looming threat of deportations under incoming President Donald Trump. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

The new trailer also confirms something that was first hinted at in the Echo finale: Fisk will be running for mayor of New York City. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 15 Jan. 2025

An article on Monday about Sid Edwards, the mayor of Baton Rouge, La., misstated which Louisiana cities elected white Republicans to succeed Black Democrats as mayors in their most recent elections. —New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maire, from Anglo-French, from Latin major greater — more at major

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mayor

noun

may·​or ˈmā-ər  ˈme(-)ər 

: an official elected to act as head of a city or borough

mayoral

ˈmā-ə-rəl  ˈme- ə- 

adjective

Legal Definition

mayor

noun

may·​or ˈmā-ər, ˈmer 

: an official elected or appointed to act as chief executive or nominal head of a city, town, or borough