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.

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 main problem the party will face as the legislation moves through Congress is finding the money to pay for tax cuts.

— The Economist, "Republicans are struggling to find money to pay for tax cuts," 2 Nov. 2017
Under the legislation manufacturers couldn't sell edibles that look like candy.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Marijuana expert: Matt Bevin exaggerates pot's effects," 31 Oct. 2017
Trump allies question Mueller's integrity and have called for his resignation, but other Republicans joined Democrats in introducing bipartisan legislation to protect Mueller's job.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Should President Trump fire special prosecutor Robert Mueller?," 30 Oct. 2017
Bastien said Congress has heard the message and at least four lawmakers are ready to introduce legislation to address TPS on a permanent basis.

— jacqueline charles, miamiherald, "TPS supporters urge Trump to not separate families | Miami Herald," 27 Oct. 2017
In 2014, Republican congressman Tom Marino – Trump’s initial pick for drug czar – introduced legislation intended to restrict the DEA’s capacity to halt drug shipments.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "The Opioid Crisis Is a Political Emergency for American Conservatism," 26 Oct. 2017
At least one other state may soon introduce similar legislation.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "California Becomes First State to Introduce Gender-Neutral Birth Certificates," 21 Oct. 2017
Simpson introduced legislation last year to do just that, but five of her fellow councilmembers abstained and the proclamation failed.

— cameron knight, Cincinnati.com, "NAACP debate: John Cranley, Yvette Simpson spar over Black Lives Matter, buses and more," 10 Oct. 2017
Democrats, including Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, on Wednesday introduced legislation banning aftermarket products designed to allow more rapid firing.

— laura litvan, Bloomberg.com, "GOP Senators Ready to Examine Limits on Altering Semi-automatics," 5 Oct. 2017

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

: 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 \

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 \

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