having to do with city government

municipal

adjective|/mjuːˈnɪs.ɪ.pəl/

Relating to a city or town government and its administration

Examples

In a meeting

We're applying for municipal permits to begin construction next month.

Over coffee

You need to go to the municipal building to pay that parking ticket.

Why this word

local

municipal specifically refers to city or town government level, while local could mean neighborhood, county, or regional

city

municipal is the precise adjective form for city government matters, while city as modifier is less formal

public

municipal specifies the governmental jurisdiction level, while public just means non-private

Usage tip

Use for local government matters, services, or regulations at the city or town level. More precise than 'local.'

Etymology

Latin 'municipium' (free city) from 'munus' (duty) + 'capere' (take) — self-governing city

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