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 New York, there’s a bill in the state legislature that would require up to 30 minutes of recess in elementary schools, be held outside whenever possible, and not involve phones, laptops or tablets. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Keri Ingle Ingle, a state representative and social worker from Lee’s Summit, voted against placing Amendment 3 on the ballot while serving in the state legislature. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Especially since some say it was fueled by pressure from the state legislature. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

In Connecticut, a recent business survey showed that healthcare is now the number one problem that business leaders want the state legislature to tackle in 2027 — rather than taxes, regulations, education, or other issues. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 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