ordinance

noun

or·di·nance ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s ˈȯrd-nən(t)s

Synonyms of ordinance

: an authoritative decree or direction : order

On that day the king signed three ordinances.

: a law set forth by a governmental authority

specifically : a municipal regulation

A city ordinance forbids construction work to start before 8 a.m.

: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity

Let ordinance come as the gods foresay [=foretell] it.—William Shakespeare

: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony

observes the ordinance of abstinence during Lent

Choose the Right Synonym for ordinance

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of ordinance in a Sentence

The town has passed a zoning ordinance limiting construction. a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms

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.

Police there also can cite parents or legal guardians when juvenile riders repeatedly violate the ordinance. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 The document includes photos to illustrate what sleeping arrangements run afoul of Sacramento’s camping ordinance and what sleeping arrangements do not. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 Granbury City Council passed this set of ordinances in April that established standards for data centers and power-generation facilities. — Mary Ella Hastings updated July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 The staff working group that helped craft the ordinance was comprised of approximately 12 employees from Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department’s Forestry Division. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of ordinance was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

ordinal number

ordinance

ordinand

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinance. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ordinance

noun

or·di·nance ˈȯrd-nən(t)s

-ᵊn-ən(t)s

: a law or regulation especially of a city or town

Legal Definition

ordinance

noun

or·di·nance ˈȯrd-ᵊn-əns

: an authoritative decree or law

especially : a municipal regulation

a zoning ordinance

ordinance

noun

Synonyms of ordinance

Examples of ordinance in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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