Hamlet (place) - Definition and Overview

In geography, a hamlet is a small settlement.

In British geography, a hamlet is defined ecclesiastically. It is a village that may or may not have its own church, but that does not form a parish in its own right.

In the U.S. state of New York, hamlets are unincorporated areas within towns. Unlike villages, New York hamlets are not legal entities and have no officially defined boundaries or government. They rely on the surrounding town for all municipal government services. See Political subdivisions of New York State.

In numerous provinces in Canada, there are officially designated municipalities, generally smaller than villages, classified as hamlets. A notable standout is Sherwood Park, Alberta, which has a population of more than 70,000—well above that needed for city status—but which has retained hamlet status.