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.

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

Overnight, the winner of November’s election will have the authority to set the state budget, draft legislation, veto bills, and greenlight or kill lawmakers’ pet projects. — Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Yet after years of calls for tech and ISPs to take a greater responsibility to curb infringement, the legislation would be a new tool for studios, producers and other content creators to curb piracy. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Bill author Addis said she was disappointed the bill never received a committee hearing, and plans on reintroducing new safety legislation in the next legislative cycle. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Pope Leo’s visit, however, comes after France’s recent national debate and subsequent passage of legislation allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. — Tyler Speicher , Courtney Walsh, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for legislation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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