legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən How to pronounce legislation (audio)
Synonyms of legislation
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, said the legislation targets large companies that use extensive consumer data to maximize profits rather than small businesses offering traditional discounts or coupons. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Levin has been a leading voice on Capitol Hill on nuclear disposal issues and pushed for legislation that would give priority to move spent fuel from reactors that are no longer active and located in areas that could pose risks to public safety. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Unlike the federal government, Portage doesn’t keep detailed records on the history of legislation online. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit came as Utah was on the verge of enacting legislation intended to undercut prediction markets from doing business in the state. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for legislation

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legislation was in 1606

Rhymes for legislation

See All Rhymes for legislation

Browse Nearby Words

legislate
legislation
legislative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on legislation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for legislation

Nglish: Translation of legislation for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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