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.
Despite failing to pass for the last two years, Durbin and Marshall keep trying to sneak this flawed legislation through. — Raquel Mitchell, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026 Thailand is not the only country to have a law demanding filial support, with similar legislation in existence and in development across the continent. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 8 July 2026 The legislation would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, along with photo identification to vote. — Reid Ribble, Time, 8 July 2026 In response, both California state and congressional leaders have introduced legislation to provide some support. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 8 July 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 10 Jul. 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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