ordinance

noun

or·di·nance ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s ˈȯrd-nən(t)s

Synonyms of ordinance

: an authoritative decree or direction : order

On that day the king signed three ordinances.

: a law set forth by a governmental authority

specifically : a municipal regulation

A city ordinance forbids construction work to start before 8 a.m.

: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity

Let ordinance come as the gods foresay [=foretell] it.—William Shakespeare

: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony

observes the ordinance of abstinence during Lent

Choose the Right Synonym for ordinance

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of ordinance in a Sentence

The town has passed a zoning ordinance limiting construction. a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms

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.

By voting for the ordinance, Councilman Collin Czilli stressed repeatedly, the Republicans were voting to make the use of bows and arrows, paintball guns and other weapons legal. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Because the study will not be finished in time to meet California’s 88-day election deadline, supervisors must either adopt the ordinance, call a special election or place it on the subsequent statewide ballot in March 2028. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 The city of Charlotte adopted its own nondiscrimination ordinance in 2021 that could apply in situations like the couple experienced, but The Secret Garden and Estate is within the town of Huntersville’s jurisdiction. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 Earlier this year, the Colorado Court of Appeals sided with Denver, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, as the city attempts to protect its housing ordinance. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of ordinance was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

ordinal number

ordinance

ordinand

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

ordinance

noun

or·di·nance ˈȯrd-nən(t)s

-ᵊn-ən(t)s

: a law or regulation especially of a city or town

Legal Definition

ordinance

noun

or·di·nance ˈȯrd-ᵊn-əns

: an authoritative decree or law

especially : a municipal regulation

a zoning ordinance

ordinance

noun

Synonyms of ordinance

Examples of ordinance in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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