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local option

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Definition of local option

: the power granted by a legislature to a political subdivision to determine by popular vote the local applicability of a law on a controversial issue (such as the sale of liquor)

Examples of local option in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The local option referendum saw every parish in southeast Louisiana vote overwhelmingly to legalize wagering on sports. — Clancy Dubos, NOLA.com, "Clancy DuBos: Calling Da Winnas & Da Loozas of the 2020 election," 9 Nov. 2020 Bandon district voters on the south coast approved a $4 million construction bond, while voters in Ashland also said yes to a local option levy. — oregonlive, "Portland-area education measures won big on election night, with one exception," 4 Nov. 2020 What is your favorite local option for something sweet? — Troy L. Smith, cleveland, "Concert industry professional Carrie Samek’s favorite dining choices - Five for Friday," 9 Oct. 2020 What is your favorite local option for something sweet? — Troy L. Smith, cleveland, "Concert industry professional Carrie Samek’s favorite dining choices - Five for Friday," 9 Oct. 2020 For example, a five-year local option levy was approved by voters in November 2002 that generated about $54 million in property taxes from 2003 to 2008. — oregonlive, "New police oversight group, new taxes for parks funding, new uses of water customer money among local ballot measures seeking Portland voter approval," 20 Oct. 2020 What is your favorite local option for something sweet? — Troy L. Smith, cleveland, "Concert industry professional Carrie Samek’s favorite dining choices - Five for Friday," 9 Oct. 2020 What is your favorite local option for something sweet? — cleveland, "Akron Zoo’s Caroline Lutz talks favorite local dining choices: Five for Friday," 21 Aug. 2020 Or pursue a free, local option by taking a walk around Mead Botanical Garden or stopping to paint flowers and wildlife. — Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, "8 homeschooling field trip ideas to keep kids engaged," 12 Aug. 2020

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

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First Known Use of local option

1868, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for local option

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The first known use of local option was in 1868

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Last Updated

16 Nov 2020

Cite this Entry

“Local option.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/local%20option. Accessed 27 Nov. 2020.

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