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

In an event that lasted three hours and ended with an extended standing ovation, both Democrats and Republicans stood to praise Looney as a wise colleague who understood the history of the institution of the state legislature. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026

On Wednesday, the Illinois legislature passed SB 315. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026

The provision was introduced as part of the state’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, which the state legislature approved on May 21. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Under California law, the legislature must pass a budget by June 15, and any budget trailer amendments need to be approved prior to July 1. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026

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