an urban district having corporate status and powers of self-government
"The new municipality approved a budget to improve local schools without needing state approval."
people living in a town or city having local self-government
"The municipality voted to approve a new park after years of debate among its residents."
A district with a government that typically encloses no other governed districts; a borough, city, or incorporated town or village.
"The new municipality expanded its boundaries to include the surrounding suburbs while remaining a single self-governing entity."
In plain English: A municipality is a local government area that runs its own city, town, or village services and laws.
"The new town council is meeting to discuss how the municipality will fund its parks and schools."
Usage: Use municipality to refer specifically to an organized local administrative unit like a city or town rather than the general concept of public affairs. It is often confused with "community," but unlike community which describes any group sharing common interests, a municipality has defined legal boundaries and its own government.
The word municipality entered English via French in the 17th century, originally referring to a free city or township. Its roots lie in Latin, where it described a citizen who took on duties and services for their community.