legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən How to pronounce legislation (audio)
Synonyms of legislationnext
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.
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.
In February, Greenpeace International filed its own claim against Energy Transfer in a Dutch court using the European Union’s anti-SLAPP legislation, seeking to recover the damages and costs the organization has incurred as a result of the company’s lawsuits. — Laura Paddison, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025 Texas state Republicans also continue cracking down on abortions with new legislation this year. — Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 The House hasn’t heard any companion legislation yet. — Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025 The cancellations of events in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other cities came amid widespread criticism from the party’s liberal base over Schumer’s vote to move forward with Republican spending legislation last week. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025 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

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Browse Nearby Words

legislation
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Cite this Entry

“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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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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