French word

maire

Pronunciation

IPA/mɛʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmayor

Example

Le maire a parlé aux habitants.

The mayor spoke to the residents.

Illustration for maire (mayor)

More examples

Les habitants ont demandé un rendez-vous avec le maire.

The residents asked for an appointment with the mayor.

Core concept

The elected head of a commune, linking the town's residents with its administration and daily civic services.

Common phrases

  • aller voir le maire

    go see the mayor

  • mandat du maire

    the mayor's term of office

  • maire de la commune

    mayor of the municipality

Similar words

mairie: A town hall building or office where residents handle civil procedures.
commune: A local municipality representing a town or village as an administrative area.
conseil municipal: The elected council that discusses local matters and sets rules and budgets.
adjoint: A deputy mayor who handles assigned duties and may act for the mayor.

Definition in French

Personne élue qui dirige une commune et gère ses affaires municipales.

Word origin

French maire developed from Latin maior through Old French, where it denoted a person with senior authority in a town or settlement.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is maire de plus a place, as in le maire de Paris, rather than a direct equivalent of 'mayor at Paris'.

Related words

  • mairietown hallnoun
  • mairessemayoressnoun

Word lists with this word