legislative

1 of 2

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tiv How to pronounce legislative (audio)
-slə-
1
a
: 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 executive, judicial
2
a
: of or relating to a legislature
legislative committees
b
: composed of members of a legislature
legislative caucus
c
: created 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
legislative courts
legislatively adverb

legislative

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of legislative in a Sentence

Adjective the legislative branch of the government She is interested in the legislative process.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The bill, which was unanimously passed by the House and Senate during this year’s legislative session, drew relatively little attention as lawmakers battled for weeks about a new budget. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025 This should be the subject of discussions in America’s classrooms, book clubs, houses of worship, legislative chambers, service clubs, podcasts, and social media feeds in 2026. Hans Zeiger, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Noun
With the session ended, here are the legislative asks Greenberg did — and didn't — get from the General Assembly. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Latest Indiana legislative updates This story may be updated with additional reporting. Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for legislative

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legislative was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legislative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislative. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

legislative

adjective
leg·​is·​la·​tive
ˈlej-ə-ˌslāt-iv
1
: having the power of legislating
the legislative branch
2
: of or relating to a legislature or legislation
legislatively adverb

Legal Definition

legislative

adjective
leg·​is·​la·​tive ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-tiv How to pronounce legislative (audio)
1
a
: 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 sense 2, executive, judicial
2
a
: 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
legislatively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on legislative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!