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
This legislation would require the largest banks to include at least one additional processing network on credit cards beyond Visa and MasterCard.
—Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
As food pantry lines grow longer across Brooklyn and Queens, New York state lawmakers are pressing Albany to pass legislation aimed at combating food insecurity.
—Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Dolch, who does not have a vote in the award, said the company is also proactive in in lobbying for legislation that helps the industry.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
The Wabanaki sports betting bill was the final piece of legislation left over from the last session that was awaiting Mills action.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislation
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Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
As food pantry lines grow longer across Brooklyn and Queens, New York state lawmakers are pressing Albany to pass legislation aimed at combating food insecurity.
—Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Dolch, who does not have a vote in the award, said the company is also proactive in in lobbying for legislation that helps the industry.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
The Wabanaki sports betting bill was the final piece of legislation left over from the last session that was awaiting Mills action.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 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 11 Jan. 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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