town

A settlement; an area with residential districts, shops and amenities, and its own local government; especially one larger than a village and smaller than a city, historically enclosed by a fence or walls, with total populations ranging from several hundred to more than a hundred thousand (as of the early 21st century).

How to use

In everyday conversation, the word 'town' is often used to refer to a small, self-contained community with its own local government. However, it's worth noting that the term can sometimes be used to describe a larger urban area, especially in informal contexts. For example, a learner might make the mistake of using 'town' to describe a city, which would be more accurately described as a 'metropolis'.