ordinance

noun

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

1

a

: an authoritative decree or direction : order

On that day the king signed three ordinances.

b

: a law set forth by a governmental authority

specifically : a municipal regulation

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

2

: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity

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

—William Shakespeare

3

: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony

observes the ordinance of abstinence during Lent

Synonyms

• law
• act
• bill
• amendment
• statute
• legislation

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

Over the past two decades, the ordinances guiding the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) have been revised multiple times to strengthen its capacity to serve the public effectively. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025

They will be established by new, specific ordinances, each one evaluated by an equity committee and adopted through a public process that allows residents to weigh in. —Wes Burdine, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025

Aldi wants to construct 95 parking spaces, which exceeds the maximum allowed in Franklin’s unified development ordinance, but could be allowed with certain provisions. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 18 Oct. 2025

The new order builds on prior resolutions and a 2011 county ordinance that prohibits the use of county facilities and personnel time for ICE investigations without a criminal warrant. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

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

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