legislature

noun

leg·​is·​la·​ture ˈle-jə-ˌslā-chər 

 also  ˌle-jə-ˈslā-,

 British often  ˈle-jə-slə-chə

: a body of persons having the power to legislate

specifically : an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political unit

Examples of legislature in a Sentence

Our legislature passed a law requiring people to wear safety belts.

Each state has its own legislature.

Recent Examples on the Web

The legislature overwhelmingly opposes legalizing marijuana. —Bethany Blankley, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025

However, that will change starting in June 2026 since the legislature approved removing income requirements for participation in legislation that passed this year. —Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 10 July 2025

Smith What’s the plan for renovation at Grand Casino Arena now that the legislature has turned down funding? —Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 July 2025

As Wendlandt noted in her order, the legislature has not raised rates for bar advocates for years. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legislature

• nomenclature
• nature

Kids Definition

legislature

noun

leg·​is·​la·​ture ˈlej-ə-ˌslā-chər 

: an organized body of persons having the authority to make laws

Legal Definition

legislature

noun

leg·​is·​la·​ture ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-chər, -ˌchu̇r 

: a body of persons having the power to legislate

specifically : an organized body having the authority to make laws for a political unit (as a nation or state) compare executive, judiciary