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
In their most recent fundraising email, Indiana House Democrats evoked their 2011 walkout over right-to-work legislation opposed by labor unions.
—Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025
Still, background talks and attempts to advance legislation in Congress may continue, which will be critical to follow as these will influence any eventual decisions the Trump administration may make.
—Owen Tedford, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
The legislation, which Palantir has publicly endorsed and which its executives have pushed for in public hearings, would likely cut into the advantage that some of the industry incumbents like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman have gained over the years.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
The remaining four were necessary for quorum, which then allowed for the passage of the Radical Republicans’ legislation.
—Rachael Dziaba, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legislation
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Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025
Still, background talks and attempts to advance legislation in Congress may continue, which will be critical to follow as these will influence any eventual decisions the Trump administration may make.
—Owen Tedford, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
The legislation, which Palantir has publicly endorsed and which its executives have pushed for in public hearings, would likely cut into the advantage that some of the industry incumbents like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman have gained over the years.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
The remaining four were necessary for quorum, which then allowed for the passage of the Radical Republicans’ legislation.
—Rachael Dziaba, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for legislation
Cite this Entry
“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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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