amendment

noun

amend·​ment ə-ˈmen(d)-mənt 

1

a

: the process of altering or amending a law or document (such as a constitution) by parliamentary or constitutional procedure

rights that were granted by amendment of the Constitution

b

: an alteration proposed or effected by this process

a constitutional amendment

2

: the act of amending something : correction

3

: a material (such as compost or sand) that aids plant growth indirectly by improving the condition of the soil

soil amendments

Did you know?

What is a constitutional amendment?

An amendment is essentially a correction. It comes in many varieties, up to and including the process of altering something through either parliamentary or constitutional procedure. In the United States, the word is often used specifically of a change to the U.S. Constitution. A constitutional amendment may be proposed by Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives or through a constitutional convention with majority votes in two-thirds of state legislatures. Once it is ratified by Congress, it must be approved by three-fourths (i.e., 38 of 50) of the states.

Synonyms

• modification
• alteration
• correction

Examples of amendment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That compost shows up as mulch and soil amendment in tree and other plantings around the city. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

By contrast, Republicans in the past have addressed this issue through a constitutional amendment, making several attempts in the 1990s and 2000s. —Frederic J. Frommer, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025

Opposed by local governments and neighborhood groups, the contentious bill went through 13 separate rounds of amendments that limited the measure’s reach to just eight highly urbanized counties and select transportation stops. —Calmatters, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025

Central Arkansas Water will pay $19 per square foot per month, or a monthly total of $60,572, during the period of the lease extension, according to an unsigned copy of the lease amendment included with meeting materials. —Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see amend

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for amendment

• intendment

Kids Definition

amendment

noun

amend·​ment ə-ˈmen(d)-mənt 

1

: the act or process of amending especially for the better

2

: a change in wording or meaning especially in a law, bill, or motion

Legal Definition

amendment

noun

amend·​ment

1

: an act of amending

especially : an alteration in wording

amendments to cure the defect in the pleading

2

: an alteration proposed or put into effect by parliamentary or constitutional procedure

the Congress…shall propose amendments to this Constitution

—U.S. Constitution art. V