statute of limitations

noun phrase

: a statute assigning a certain time after which rights cannot be enforced by legal action or offenses cannot be punished

Examples of statute of limitations in a Sentence

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.
The statute of limitations on these rapes expired decades ago. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 The company disputes this, and the judge overseeing the case found that the statute of limitations for those claims had passed. — Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 The charges of false imprisonment, false arrest and negligence were dismissed for falling outside of a statute of limitations on such claims. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 Jurors unanimously concluded Musk’s claims were filed too late and fell outside the applicable statute of limitations. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute of limitations

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of statute of limitations was in 1641

Rhymes for statute of limitations

See All Rhymes for statute of limitations

Browse Nearby Words

statute of distribution
statute of limitations
statute roll
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statute of limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute%20of%20limitations. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

statute of limitations

1
a
: a statute establishing a period of time from the accrual of a cause of action (as upon the occurrence or discovery of an injury) within which a right of action must be exercised compare laches, statute of repose
b
: a criminal statute establishing the period of time within which an offense can be punished after its commission
2
: a period of time established by a statute of limitations for commencing an action or prosecution
3
: an affirmative defense that the statute of limitations has expired

More from Merriam-Webster on statute of limitations

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute of limitations

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