town meeting

noun

1. a general meeting of the inhabitants of a town.
2. (especially in New England) a legislative assembly of the qualified voters of a town.

town meeting

noun

1. an assembly of the inhabitants of a town
2. (esp in New England) an assembly of the qualified voters of a town. Such a meeting may exercise all the powers of local government

Word History and Origins

Origin of town meeting¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Emergency management officials passed out a list of evacuation procedures to worried residents at a Wednesday evening town meeting meant to mitigate panic.

From Seattle Times

After initially targeting 55 towns, Lindell’s supporters gathered enough petitions to bring the topic up at 23 of the annual town meetings held this month to adopt budgets and settle other matters.

From Seattle Times

At town meetings, people sometimes go beyond voting on local issues and decide to take a stand on national issues of the day.

From Seattle Times

“The timing was perfect to fit into the town meeting onstage, and the subject was related.”

From New York Times

In New Hampshire, at least a dozen communities will be debating hand counts during their annual town meetings in March.

From Seattle Times