legislative

play

adjective leg·is·la·tive \ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tiv, -slə-\

Definition of legislative

1a : having the power or performing the function of legislatingb : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations — compare executive, judicial
2a : of or relating to a legislature legislative committeesb : composed of members of a legislature legislative caucusc : created by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial bodyd : designed to assist a legislature or its members a legislative research agency
3 : of, concerned with, or created by legislation legislative courts

legislatively

adverb

See legislative defined for English-language learners

See legislative defined for kids

Examples of legislative in a Sentence

the legislative branch of the government
She is interested in the legislative process.

Recent Examples of legislative from the Web

But House Speaker Jeff Hoover’s office said this week that Louisville officials haven’t made any efforts toward a legislative fix or any other measure aimed at addressing California's concerns.

— phillip m. bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Mayor Greg Fischer exaggerated California travel ban's impact on Louisville, lawmakers say", 6 July 2017
Just last week, the Trump administration had some arguably major political, policy, and legislative accomplishments.

— jonah goldberg, National Review, "Trump’s Relationship with Media Is Co-dependent", 4 July 2017
Dial said legislative committees lose credibility if misleading or incomplete information is allowed to stand.

— mike cason, AL.com, "Sen. Gerald Dial has new questions about Pouncey complaint", 3 July 2017
Baumgartner proposed a bill with virtually the same concept earlier in the legislative session.

— jim brunner, The Seattle Times, "Last-minute tax cuts to help Washington manufacturers get little public notice", 1 July 2017
The two sides disagree on those issues, but legislative leaders tried to cast the negotiations as progressing.

— kim geiger, chicagotribune.com, "State budget passes first House vote, but huge hurdles remain on deadline day", 30 June 2017
The ACLU of New Jersey is watching a number of similar legislative bills in relation to civilian interaction with the police.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "This New Jersey Bill Requires Schools Teach Students How To Interact With Police, But What About The Officers?", 27 June 2017
After that, Democrats will be allowed to offer unlimited amendments, with no debate, in a legislative frenzy known as a vote-a-rama.

— erik wasson, Bloomberg.com, "These Are the Few Defenses Obamacare Has Left", 26 June 2017
CNN's New Day also did the legislative politics of healthcare but segued right into Trump's switcheroo in saying Obama stole his adjective in describing the health bill.

— The Hive, "Critic Accused of Racism over Controversial Theater Review", 26 June 2017

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

First Known Use of legislative

1621

Other Government and Politics Terms

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

legislative

noun leg·is·la·tive

Definition of legislative

: the body or department exercising the power and function of legislating : legislature

First Known Use of legislative

1641

Other Government and Politics Terms

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

LEGISLATIVE Defined for English Language Learners

legislative

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adjective

Definition of legislative for English Language Learners

: having the power to make laws
: relating to the making of laws

LEGISLATIVE Defined for Kids

legislative

play

adjective leg·is·la·tive \ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tiv\

Definition of legislative for Students

1 : having the power or authority to make laws the legislative branch of government
2 : of or relating to the action or process by which laws are made legislative history

Law Dictionary

legislative

play

adjective leg·is·la·tive \ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-tiv\

Legal Definition of legislative

1a : having the power or performing the function of legislating b : belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations — compare administrative 2, executive, judicial
2a : of or relating to a legislature legislative committees b : composed of members of a legislature legislative caucus c : created or effectuated by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body d : designed to assist a legislature or its members a legislative research agency
3 : of, concerned with, or created by legislation