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

• act
• bill
• constitution
• enactment
• law
• statute

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

Mayor Fraga’s proposed ordinance is expected to meet opposition within the council, as her political sway has been questioned following the dismissal of the city manager and the subsequent appointment of a successor. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024

The governor also wants to give localities the authority to ban the machines by referendum or local ordinance and to cap the number at 20,000 statewide. —Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

If violations are found, the commission orders the property owner to comply with applicable laws and ordinances, including relocation of occupants, repair, or demolition. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2024

Only two dozen would be considered large CAFOs under the ordinance. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024

However, if an encampment poses an immediate threat to the public’s health or safety, the city’s ordinance would be enforceable regardless of shelter bed availability. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

The letter called the ordinance redundant and unnecessary because federal regulators are considering regulations that, if passed, would take precedence over the city's ordinance. —The Arizona Republic, 26 Mar. 2024

Following Berkeley’s pioneering ban on gas hookups in most new buildings, the CRA sued, arguing the ordinance overstepped federal energy law. —Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024

As a measure of that, the group successfully lobbied Kansas City to pass a tenants bill of rights and an ordinance that prohibits landlords from refusing to accept federal housing vouchers from renters. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024

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