legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən How to pronounce legislation (audio)
1
: the action of legislating
specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules (such as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization
the major function of Congress is legislation W. S. Sayre
2
: the enactments of a legislator or a legislative body
legislation to help distressed homeowners
3
: a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body
She proposed new legislation to protect the environment.

Examples of legislation in a Sentence

They passed new state legislation this week. Two new pieces of legislation are being considered. She introduced legislation for protecting the environment. More legislation is needed on this matter. Certain animals are protected under state legislation. One of the important functions of government is legislation.
Recent Examples on the Web Amidst evolving sampling legislation in Canada, brands can also provide tangible product experiences for budtenders in some provinces, helping build brand affinity on the ground. Mario Naric, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2024 San Diego was among the first cities to consider opting in, but its Planning Commission recommended last year to scrap the legislation from the city’s housing package. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 But even with the agreement, getting the legislation passed through Congress in time for the deadline may be difficult. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2024 Around the country, similar legislation rose to prominence this session amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2024 That’s when Johnson has signaled plans to take up supplemental national security funding legislation. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2024 Other legislation on the runway could be prioritized. Sapna Maheshwari, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 All three support anti-feminist and anti-LGBT legislation, including the decriminalization of domestic violence and bills outlawing gender-affirming procedures. Kim Hjelmgaard and Anna Nemtsova, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 When asked about the legislation, a Hobbs spokesperson pointed to her previous vetoes of similar bills. The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'legislation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legislation was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near legislation

Cite this Entry

“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

legislation

noun
leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌlej-ə-ˈslā-shən How to pronounce legislation (audio)
1
: the action of making laws
2
: the laws made by a legislator or legislative body

Legal Definition

legislation

noun
leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jəs-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce legislation (audio)
1
: the making or giving of laws
specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of the state
2
: the enactments of a legislator or legislative body
3
: a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body
recently proposed legislation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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