legislature

noun

leg·​is·​la·​ture ˈle-jə-ˌslā-chər 

also ˌle-jə-ˈslā-

British often ˈle-jə-slə-chə

: a body of persons having the power to legislate

specifically : an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political unit

Examples of legislature in a Sentence

Our legislature passed a law requiring people to wear safety belts.

Each state has its own legislature.

Recent Examples on the Web

Steyer ran as the ultimate embodiment of the long-running strategy promoted by the Rockefeller family and fellow billionaire interests to weaponize courts, legislatures, and public opinion against American oil and gas producers. —David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

The legislature ultimately didn’t adopt those recommendations. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 10 June 2026

Bar advocates were seeking a $100-an hour rate and many say the hike approved by the legislature is not adequate. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

Courts are always more conservative than legislatures, usually. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legislature

• nomenclature
• nature

Kids Definition

legislature

noun

leg·​is·​la·​ture ˈlej-ə-ˌslā-chər 

: an organized body of persons having the authority to make laws

Legal Definition

legislature

noun

leg·​is·​la·​ture ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-chər, -ˌchu̇r 

: a body of persons having the power to legislate

specifically : an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political unit (as a nation or state) compare executive, judiciary