townsman

[ tounz-muhn ]

noun

, plural towns·men.

1. a native or inhabitant of a town.
2. a native or inhabitant of one's own or the same town.
3. (in New England) a selectman.

townsman

/ ˈtaʊnzmən /

noun

1. an inhabitant of a town
2. a person from the same town as oneself

Gender Note

See -man.

Derived Forms

• ˈtownsˌwoman, noun:feminine

Word History and Origins

Origin of townsman¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English tūnesman fellow member of a township. See town, 's ¹, man

Example Sentences

It was claimed that townsmen wanted to spare Alice Bailey from testifying in court.

From Washington Post

He was watching television when he spotted his fellow townsman, Mr. Johnson.

From Washington Times

I don’t like the look of the townsmen hovering around the edge of the lot.

From Literature

Even today, two townsmen stand on either side of the opening, night and day, taking eight-hour shifts.

From Literature

An endless stream of friends, well-wishers, townsmen, Marines, the regulars at Hobie’s, and teachers of her four children came to the house to offer their condolences.

From Literature

Related Words

• inhabitant
• national
• resident
• taxpayer