Definition

1. Noun:
   • An elected local official in New England: A "selectman" is an elected member of a board (traditionally called the board of selectmen) responsible for the executive and administrative governance of a town, primarily in the New England region of the United States.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He served as a selectman for the town of Concord for over a decade.
  • The board of selectmen will meet to discuss the new budget proposal.
  • Residents can bring their concerns directly to the selectman at the town hall meeting.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Gendered Term: The term "selectman" is historically gendered. Many towns now use gender-neutral titles like "Select Board Member" or "Town Councilor," though "selectman" remains in common use.
  • While the official title in the charter is still "selectman," the current board prefers to be addressed as "Select Board Members."

Variants and Related Words

• Selectwoman (n): A female elected member of such a board. (Note: This term is also becoming less common in favor of gender-neutral alternatives).
• Board of Selectmen (n): The traditional name for the governing board itself.
• Select Board (n): A modern, gender-neutral name for the governing board.

Synonyms

• Town official: A general term for a person holding a public office in a town's government.
• Alderman (n): An elected member of a municipal council, often in cities rather than towns. (Note: This is a similar role but in a different municipal context).

Related Phrases

• To run for selectman: To be a candidate in an election for the position of selectman.
  • She decided to run for selectman to improve local infrastructure.
• To be elected selectman: To win an election for the position.
  • He was elected selectman by a wide margin.

Noun

1. an elected member of a board of officials who run New England towns