legislation
noun
leg·is·la·tion
ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən 
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
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
The 2021 legislation’s passage hinged on that amendment, which was brokered by Lucio, the former lawmaker.
—Saul Elbein, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno drove state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, in a 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am past the state Capitol on Tuesday, rallying support for legislation that would ease restrictions on classic cars.
—Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Passing the legislation through the House in the face of drama on the floor would deliver Trump a major win.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
Congress has also passed several pieces of legislation to give presidents significantly greater authority over trade and tariffs, including during national emergencies, in response to national security threats, and in the face of unfair trade practices.
—Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legislation
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Saul Elbein, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno drove state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, in a 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am past the state Capitol on Tuesday, rallying support for legislation that would ease restrictions on classic cars.
—Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Passing the legislation through the House in the face of drama on the floor would deliver Trump a major win.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025
Congress has also passed several pieces of legislation to give presidents significantly greater authority over trade and tariffs, including during national emergencies, in response to national security threats, and in the face of unfair trade practices.
—Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legislation
Cite this Entry
“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
legislation
noun
leg·is·la·tion
ˌlej-ə-ˈslā-shən
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
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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