legislation

noun leg·is·la·tion \ ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən \

|Updated on: 29 Jul 2018

Examples: legislation in a Sentence

Definition of legislation

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.

See legislation defined for English-language learners

See legislation defined for kids

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 of legislation from the Web

The two chambers have to iron out some technical differences before the measure can be sent to Governor Charlie Baker, who has not taken a public stance on the legislation.

— matt stout, BostonGlobe.com, "Senate unanimously backs automatic voter registration; bill may reach governor soon," 13 July 2018
On June 20, Shepherd said the rapid manner in which the legislation was unveiled and zipped through the legislative process in less than a day violated the state constitution's requirement.

— louisville courier journal, The Courier-Journal, "Papa John is out and ex-Cards are after the NCAA: What to know Thursday," 12 July 2018
The widespread outrage across India prompted quick action on legislation that doubled prison terms for rapists to 20 years and criminalizing voyeurism, stalking and the trafficking of women.

— Fox News, "India court rejects death sentence appeal in 2012 gang rape," 10 July 2018
After Walker’s announcement last October, documents show the Dairy Business Association and its lawyers and lobbyists began working with Walker’s office, and later, Republican lawmakers, on draft legislation to make the switch.

— lee bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Dairy group uses behind-the-scenes influence with Gov. Scott Walker to shift regulation of large livestock farms," 6 July 2018
That’s because Republicans need Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster on most legislation, so lobbyists with ties to both parties in the Senate are generally in demand.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "K Street Lobbying Shops Anticipating Democratic House," 6 July 2018
In that role, Mr. Wheeler worked on energy legislation and Clean Air Act issues.

— rebecca ballhaus, WSJ, "Ex-Coal and Energy Lobbyist Named Acting EPA Chief," 5 July 2018
Thus far, the evidence of that selling point has been thin, but that could change based on the new legislation of the current administration.

— peter dawson, star-telegram, "Could top NHL free agent John Tavares pick Dallas? We could find out Saturday," 29 June 2018
The separation policy was in flux Wednesday as Republicans worked on legislation to address the issue permanently, and Mr. Trump signed an executive action to halt the separations.

— CBS News, "Some pro-family groups silent, while others speak up on family separations," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'legislation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of legislation

1606

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

LEGISLATION Defined for English Language Learners

legislation

noun

Definition of legislation for English Language Learners

: a law or set of laws made by a government
: the action or process of making laws

LEGISLATION Defined for Kids

legislation

noun leg·is·la·tion \ ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən \

Definition of legislation for Students

1 : the action of making laws

2 : the laws that are made Congress passed new legislation protecting the environment.

Law Dictionary

legislation

noun leg·is·la·tion \ ˌle-jəs-ˈlā-shən \

legal Definition of legislation

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