statute of limitations

noun phrase

: a statute assigning a certain time after which rights cannot be enforced by legal action or offenses cannot be punished

Examples of statute of limitations in a Sentence

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.
This occurs because in many states, even a legitimate token payment on a collection account, or even just acknowledging that the debt is yours, can restart the clock on the statute of limitations. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 The district court also failed to follow the six year statute of limitations on the count for interfering with the IRS laws, Snyder’s attorneys argued. — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Trump would surely claim that the statute of limitations on his criminal charges has expired. — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Even though Heinrich admitted to assaulting Jared Scheierl, he couldn't be charged in the case because the statute of limitations had expired. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute of limitations

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of statute of limitations was in 1641

Rhymes for statute of limitations

See All Rhymes for statute of limitations

Browse Nearby Words

statute of distribution
statute of limitations
statute roll
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statute of limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute%20of%20limitations. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

statute of limitations

1
a
: a statute establishing a period of time from the accrual of a cause of action (as upon the occurrence or discovery of an injury) within which a right of action must be exercised compare laches, statute of repose
b
: a criminal statute establishing the period of time within which an offense can be punished after its commission
2
: a period of time established by a statute of limitations for commencing an action or prosecution
3
: an affirmative defense that the statute of limitations has expired

More from Merriam-Webster on statute of limitations

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute of limitations

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