stipulate

verb

stip·u·late | \ˈsti-pyə-ˌlāt

stipulated; stipulating

Definition of stipulate

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to make an agreement or covenant to do or forbear something : contract

2 : to demand an express term in an agreement —used with for

transitive verb

1 : to specify as a condition or requirement (as of an agreement or offer)

2 : to give a guarantee of

stipulate

adjective

stip·u·late | \ˈsti-pyə-lət

Definition of stipulate (Entry 2 of 2)

: having stipules

Other Words from stipulate Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about stipulate

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Did You Know?

Verb

Like many terms used in the legal profession, "stipulate" has its roots in Latin. It derives from "stipulatus," the past participle of "stipulari," a verb meaning "to demand a guarantee (as from a prospective debtor)." "Stipulate" has been a part of the English language since the 17th century. In Roman law, oral contracts were deemed valid only if they followed a proper question-and-answer format; "stipulate" was sometimes used specifically of this process of contract making, though it also could be used more generally for any means of making a contract or agreement. The "specify as a condition or requirement" sense of the word also dates from the 17th century, and it is the sense that is most often encountered in current use.

Examples of stipulate in a Sentence

Verb

The cease-fire was stipulated by the treaty. The rules stipulate that players must wear uniforms.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The project’s investors stipulated that the project must pay for $5 million additional coverage beyond the standard $500,000 flood insurance coverage, Mr. Fasano said. — New York Times, "New Buildings Rise in Flood Zones," 6 July 2018 The Jesuit priest submitted his resignation earlier this month, stipulating his last day will be May 24. — Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com, "Ohio Congress members question forced resignation of House of Representatives chaplain," 27 Apr. 2018 For example, Birdville schools stipulate that banked days can't be used for family illness. — Diane Smith, star-telegram, "This school district is under fire for its sick leave bank. Some consider it generous | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 4 May 2018 The commission ultimately denied Vigil's appeal but stipulated that Contreras must add street-facing windows and a front porch. — Jessica Boehm, azcentral, "Phoenix makes 'precedent-setting decision' on modern homes in historic neighborhoods," 19 Apr. 2018 Delaware County’s home rule charter stipulates that the seats go to the party with the highest vote total in the most recent county council election. — Vinny Vella, Philly.com, "Delaware County Democrats, the first elected in 40 years, find acceptance, some tension in months since historic win," 19 June 2018 The proposed law stipulates the size of an outdoor dog shelter and the length and type of tether used for a dog. — Kate Magill, Howard County Times, "Howard proposal adds teeth to laws on leaving dogs outdoors in frigid weather," 7 June 2018 The employment agreement stipulates that the cheerleaders are hired as part-time employees (by day, some were college students, lawyers, or worked in P.R.). — Michelle Ruiz, Vanities, "“Crack Whores” and “Jelly Bellies”: A Former N.F.L. Cheerleader Reveals the Bullying and Body-Shaming Off the Field," 4 June 2018 Indiana Code stipulates that a police officer who conducts such inspections can charge a fee — not to exceed $5 — and must deposit the revenue only in law enforcement accounts, according to court documents. — Holly V. Hays, Indianapolis Star, "Indianapolis police sergeant arrested on allegations of official misconduct," 31 May 2018

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

History and Etymology for stipulate

Verb

Latin stipulatus, past participle of stipulari to demand a guarantee (from a prospective debtor)

Adjective

New Latin stipula

Verb

Latin stipulatus, past participle of stipulari to exact (as from a prospective debtor) a formal guarantee when making an oral contract

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Dictionary Entries near stipulate

stipulative definition

stipule

Statistics for stipulate

Last Updated

6 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for stipulate

The first known use of stipulate was circa 1624

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More Definitions for stipulate

stipulate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of stipulate

: to demand or require (something) as part of an agreement

See the full definition for stipulate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

stipulate

verb

stip·u·late | \ˈsti-pyə-ˌlāt

stipulated; stipulating

Legal Definition of stipulate

intransitive verb

1 : to make an agreement or covenant about something (as damages)

2 : to demand a particular promise in an agreement —used with for may…assume or stipulate for obligations of all kinds — Louisiana Civil Code

3 : to agree respecting an aspect of legal proceedings —used with to stipulated to a dismissal of the claim with prejudice — National Law Journal pleaded guilty to the charge of battery and stipulated to the underlying facts — Luna v. Meinke, 844 F. Supp. 1284 (1994)

transitive verb

1 : to specify especially as a condition or requirement of an agreement parties may not stipulate the invalidity of statutes or ordinances — West v. Bank of Commerce & Trusts, 167 F.2d 664 (1948) the contract stipulated that the lessor was responsible for maintenance within a stipulated period of time

2 : to establish (procedure or evidence) by agreement during a proceeding defendant stipulated that evidence was sufficient to support his conspiracy conviction — National Law Journal based on stipulated facts