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Ac·ro·nym: A word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words, as NATO,  COBOL, DOS. Acronyms are pronounced like words.

Ab·bre·vi·a·tion: A shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase, used to represent the whole, as Dr. for Doctor, U.S. for United States, lb. for pound.

For better or worse, acronyms and abbreviations are part of the organizational communications system in the City of Dallas. Acronyms and abbreviations are commonly used, save time, and can be a useful way to shorten overly long names or titles. However, they can also be a mystery to employees or citizens who are unfamiliar with the organizations involved.

To help you navigate through the city’s various departments and organizations, and their many acronyms and abbreviations, the City of Dallas Public Information Office (PIO) has created this guide. Because new acronyms and abbreviations crop up from time to time, the Guide will be updated periodically, to keep it as current as possible.

City Terminology Guide (Adobe pdf)

If you know of an acronym or abbreviation that is not included in this Guide, please send the information to: media@dallascityhall.com.