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

However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction. —Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025

Senators will engage in what's being dubbed a vote-a-rama, beginning this morning where Senators have the opportunity to present amendments, which could in turn lead to hours of votes. —Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the chamber's top Democrat, promised his party would bring amendment after amendment during the marathon session. —Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 30 June 2025

The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, along with subsequent amendments, governs fundraising and spending in U.S. elections by imposing limits on how much individuals, organizations, and political parties can contribute to or spend on behalf of candidates. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 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