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
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.
Examples of legislation in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even the White House’s narrower proposal will be a tough sell for congressional Republicans, many of whom prefer bipartisan legislation that could get a Senate vote as soon as this week.
—semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Many families say such features still put too great a burden on parents and teens to ensure a safe online experience and hope the trials could lead to new online safety legislation.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Bradley, an attorney with expertise in homeowners association law, played a key role in preventing that legislation, which was promoted and written by Lennar’s lobbyists, from passing.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Britain’s King George V changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor in 1917, and initiated legislation to strike out the titles of princes and lords who had backed the Germans.
—ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislation
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semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Many families say such features still put too great a burden on parents and teens to ensure a safe online experience and hope the trials could lead to new online safety legislation.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Bradley, an attorney with expertise in homeowners association law, played a key role in preventing that legislation, which was promoted and written by Lennar’s lobbyists, from passing.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Britain’s King George V changed the family name from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to Windsor in 1917, and initiated legislation to strike out the titles of princes and lords who had backed the Germans.
—ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislation
Cite this Entry
“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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