barangay

B3A1R1A1N1G2A1Y4
Philippines/bɐ.ɾɐŋˈɡaɪ̯/

noun

The smallest local government unit in the Philippines, a subdivision of a city or municipality.

Similar

Meanings

nounbarangay (plural barangays)

plural barangays · alternative Brgy.

  1. PhilippinesThe smallest local government unit in the Philippines, a subdivision of a city or municipality.

    The victim is always addressed as the "datu" or rich man of their Barangay and enjoyed an economic ascendancy over Marcelino, a mere barangay tanod.

    2021, Deogenes Nambayan Agellon, Criminal Law Case Digests
    2 more examples

    Because of this active involvement of the civilian and other auxiliary units (e.g. barangay tanod), the police are able to devote their time and resources to the control and prevention of serious crimes.

    1987, Marcelo M. Orense, Nelia R. Marquez, Philippine Yearbook, page 77

    The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) shall establish and administer an appropriate system under which the punong barangay, the members of the sangguniang barangay, the barangay secretary, the barangay treasurer, and the members of the brangay tanod shall enjoy insurance coverage as provided in this Code and other pertinent laws.

    1991 October 28, “Miscellaneous and Final Provisions”, in Official Gazette: Republic of the Philippines, volume 87, number 43, page 263

    Synonyms: barrio

  2. PhilippinesalternativerareAlternative form of balangay (“a type of boat”).

Synonyms & antonyms

nounThe smallest local government unit in the Philippines, a subdivision of a city or municipality.

Similar

Origin

  1. Tagalogbalangay
  2. Philippine Spanishbarangay
  3. Englishbarangay

Borrowed from Philippine Spanish barangay, from Tagalog balangay.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Japanese バランガイ
  • バランガイsmallest local government unit
Cite this entry
APA

barangay. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/barangay

MLA

“barangay.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/barangay. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “barangay,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/barangay.

Source: barangay on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.