Main Entry: bor·ough

Pronunciation: \ˈbər-(ˌ)ō, ˈbə-(ˌ)rō\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English burgh, from Old English burg fortified town; akin to Old High German burg fortified place, and probably to Old English beorg hill — more at barrow

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a medieval fortified group of houses forming a town with special duties and privileges b : a town or urban constituency in Great Britain that sends a member to Parliament c : an urban area in Great Britain incorporated for purposes of self-government
2 a : a municipal corporation proper in some states (as New Jersey and Minnesota) corresponding to the incorporated town or village of the other states b : one of the five constituent political divisions of New York City
3 : a civil division of the state of Alaska corresponding to a county in most other states