local option

noun

: the power granted by a legislature to a political subdivision to determine by popular vote the local applicability of a law on a controversial issue (such as the sale of liquor)

Examples of local option in a Sentence

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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.
That rules out the non-local option for a theory of gravity. — Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026 Buying silver is more accessible than ever, with a wide range of online dealers and local options available. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 4 May 2026 Even sharing vetted local options can make a meaningful difference. — Priya Krishnan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The cocktail menu is inspired by astrological signs, and the beers include both local options and macrobrews. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for local option

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of local option was in 1868

Rhymes for local option

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Browse Nearby Words

local officer
local option
local preacher
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Cite this Entry

“Local option.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/local%20option. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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