legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən 

1

: the action of legislating

specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules (such as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization

the major function of Congress is legislation

—W. S. Sayre

2

: the enactments of a legislator or a legislative body

legislation to help distressed homeowners

3

: a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body

She proposed new legislation to protect the environment.

Example Sentences

They passed new state legislation this week.

Two new pieces of legislation are being considered.

She introduced legislation for protecting the environment.

More legislation is needed on this matter.

Certain animals are protected under state legislation.

One of the important functions of government is legislation.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Backers of the legislation acknowledged that the proposals have a hard road ahead with slim odds of passage. —Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2023

If passed, several aspects of the legislation would be particularly impactful for tenants who live in apartments that don’t fall under the city’s rent stabilization rules, which generally apply only to apartments built before October 1978. —Julia Wickstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2023

Surcharges slated to be tacked onto electricity bills statewide to pay for the bailout were eliminated in a partial repeal of the legislation in 2021 and never charged. —Julie Carr Smyth, ajc, 19 Jan. 2023

The determination ends a months-long debate over whether Citi was in violation of the legislation. —Danielle Moran, Fortune, 19 Jan. 2023

Supporters of this legislation argue that the care is experimental and that minors are too young to make decisions about medical care that could have irreversible impacts. —Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 19 Jan. 2023

Companies are struggling to keep up with the patchwork of legislation, set meaningful salary ranges and navigate conversations around pay with job candidates and their own employees. —Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2023

Spero said that a government funding bill contained a provision that should help the FAA better plan its workforce needs and that the next round of legislation is a chance to put the agency on a better path. —Ian Duncan, Michael Laris And Lori Aratani, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Jan. 2023

Critics, including health care professionals, argue this type of legislation criminalizes the practice of medicine. —Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌlej-ə-ˈslā-shən 

1

: the action of making laws

2

: the laws made by a legislator or legislative body

Legal Definition

legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jəs-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the making or giving of laws

specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of the state

2

: the enactments of a legislator or legislative body

3

: a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body

recently proposed legislation