ordinance

noun

or·​di·​nance ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s  ˈȯrd-nən(t)s 

1

a

: an authoritative decree or direction : order

On that day the king signed three ordinances.

b

: a law set forth by a governmental authority

specifically : a municipal regulation

A city ordinance forbids construction work to start before 8 a.m.

2

: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity

Let ordinance come as the gods foresay [=foretell] it.

—William Shakespeare

3

: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony

observes the ordinance of abstinence during Lent

Synonyms

• act
• bill
• constitution
• enactment
• law
• statute

Choose the Right Synonym for ordinance

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of ordinance in a Sentence

The town has passed a zoning ordinance limiting construction.

a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms

Recent Examples on the Web

Two men, ages 40 and 45, were arrested for battery and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, while a 28-year-old woman was arrested for vulgar language in violation of a city ordinance. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025

The proposed Miami-Dade ordinance came in the wake of the death of 29-year-old farmworker Efraín López García who became ill while picking fruit on a Homestead farm on a day of record-breaking heat and died in July 2023. —Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025

Recently, city ordinances have changed to increase fines and jail time. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025

The ordinance would establish a nonprofit developer arm of the city’s Department of Housing to offer developers low-cost loans during construction. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

ordinance

noun

or·​di·​nance ˈȯrd-nən(t)s 

-ᵊn-ən(t)s

: a law or regulation especially of a city or town

Legal Definition

ordinance

noun

or·​di·​nance ˈȯrd-ᵊn-əns 

: an authoritative decree or law

especially : a municipal regulation

a zoning ordinance