selectman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Regional
Quick answer
What does “selectman” mean?
An elected town official in New England, typically serving on a board that manages local government affairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An elected town official in New England, typically serving on a board that manages local government affairs.
A member of a board of town officers in New England responsible for administrative duties, budgeting, and local governance; historically, a person chosen to manage town affairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively American, specifically tied to New England's local government structure. No equivalent role or term exists in British local government.
Connotations
In American usage, it connotes New England tradition, local democracy, and community governance. In British English, the term would be unfamiliar and might be misinterpreted.
Frequency
Used only in specific regional contexts in the USA; virtually never used in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “selectman” in a Sentence
Selectman + of + [Town Name]Selectman + for + [Town Name]Selectman + on + [Board]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “selectman” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- The selectman race was closely contested.
- She attended the selectman meeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or American studies contexts discussing New England local government.
Everyday
Used only by residents of New England towns when referring to their local officials.
Technical
Used in legal or municipal documents in New England states.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “selectman”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “selectman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selectman”
- Using 'selectman' to refer to any elected official outside New England.
- Using the singular 'selectman' to refer to the board (the correct collective term is 'board of selectmen').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, the term was masculine, but 'selectwoman' is now used when referring to a woman in the role. The gender-neutral 'select board member' is increasingly common.
No, the term is specific to the local government system of New England in the United States.
The plural is 'selectmen'.
It varies by town. In small towns, it is often a part-time, voluntary, or low-paid position. In larger towns, it may be a full-time role.
An elected town official in New England, typically serving on a board that manages local government affairs.
Selectman is usually formal, historical, regional in register.
Selectman: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈlɛktmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈlɛktmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as busy as a selectman on town meeting day”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SELECT + MAN → a man SELECTed by the town to manage affairs.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNANCE IS STEWARDSHIP (the selectman is a caretaker of the town).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'selectman'?