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.
State legislation, including Florida House Bill 1093, has also supported the development of vertiport infrastructure. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026 As the 2027 legislative session approaches, Florida lawmakers may be asked to consider legislation modeled on a Tennessee law that has put pharmacy operations and prescription access at risk. — L. Prather McKinnon, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 Since 1996, the institute has run the library grant program that descended from the legislation that Eisenhower signed into law. — Alex H. Poole, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026 Divided government typically makes must-pass legislation, like government funding and raising the debt ceiling, harder to enact. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 30 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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

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