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.
Knox’s motion seeks a dismissal on the grounds that the specific accusations against Sarabia were subject to a one-year statute of limitations, court filings said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026 Because the statute of limitations expired long before she was found, Highsmith’s abductor cannot be prosecuted. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 The family’s complaint eventually expired under the Swiss statute of limitations. — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 The Attorney General’s Office referred 30 cases involving 14 priests to prosecutors, but said no criminal charges were filed because in most cases the statute of limitations on the crimes had expired. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

statute of distribution
statute of limitations
statute roll
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Cite this Entry

“Statute of limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute%20of%20limitations. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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