bill of rights

noun phrase

variants or Bill of Rights
: a document containing a formal statement of rights
a patients' bill of rights
specifically : a summary of fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation by the state
used especially of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) first proposed such a bill of rights a year ago, and has been taking comments and refining the idea ever since. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bill of rights.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bill of rights was in 1701

Dictionary Entries Near bill of rights

Cite this Entry

“Bill of rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bill%20of%20rights. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

bill of rights

often capitalized B&R
: a statement of basic rights and privileges guaranteed to a people
especially : the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Legal Definition

bill of rights

-ˈrīts
often capitalized B&R
: a summary of fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation by the government;
esp, cap B&R : the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

More from Merriam-Webster on bill of rights

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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