How Do You Spell BURGOMASTER?

Pronunciation: [bˈɜːɡəmˌastə] (IPA)

The word burgomaster is spelled with a "g" instead of a "j" despite the pronunciation of the "g" being similar to a "j" sound. This is a result of the word's Dutch origins, where the "g" is pronounced as a guttural "kh" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for burgomaster is /ˈbəːɡəʊmɑːstə/, with the "g" representing the guttural "kh" sound. The word refers to a mayor in a Dutch or German town, and is often used in historical contexts.

BURGOMASTER Meaning and Definition

1. A burgomaster is a term derived from the Dutch language, specifically from the words "burg," meaning city or town, and "meester," meaning master or leader. It is used to refer to the chief magistrate or mayor of a town or city in certain European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

   In its primary sense, a burgomaster is the highest-ranking elected official responsible for the administration and governance of a municipality or urban area. They are typically elected by the local population, either directly or indirectly through a representative body such as a city council. Burgomasters play a crucial role in local government, overseeing the implementation of laws, policies, and regulations, as well as representing the interests of their constituents.

   Historically, the term "burgomaster" dates back to medieval times and was commonly used in the Hanseatic League, a powerful commercial and defensive confederation of cities in Northern Europe. At that time, burgomasters had broader powers and often acted as judges, military leaders, and financial managers. Over the centuries, their roles became more focused on governance and civil administration.

   Today, the term may also be used in a more generic sense to refer to a leader or prominent figure within a specific field or organization. However, its usage primarily pertains to the position of mayor or chief magistrate in European towns and cities.

2. One employed in the government of a city; chief magistrate in one of the large towns in Holland, &c.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BURGOMASTER

• vurgomaster
• nurgomaster
• hurgomaster
• gurgomaster
• byrgomaster
• bhrgomaster
• bjrgomaster
• birgomaster
• b8rgomaster
• b7rgomaster
• buegomaster
• budgomaster
• bufgomaster
• burgomaseter
• burgomastre
• burgomastes
• berghmaster
• burghmaster
• Burgomastro
• Burgomastier
• Bergomasker

Etymology of BURGOMASTER

The word "burgomaster" originates from the Dutch language. Its etymology can be traced to the combination of two Dutch words: "burg" and "meester".

"Burg" is derived from the Old Dutch word "burga", which means "castle" or "fortress". In ancient times, a burg was a fortified settlement or town. Later on, it came to represent a civic or municipal district, typically with its own local government.

"Meester" means "master" or "leader" in Dutch and is derived from the Latin word "magister". It implies someone who is in charge or has mastery over a specified area or profession.

When these two words are combined, "burgomaster" literally means "master of the burg" or "master of the town".

Similar spelling word for BURGOMASTER

• burgoyne.

Plural form of BURGOMASTER is BURGOMASTERS