Definition of the law
: the people and organizations (such as the police and the courts) whose job is to find or punish people who do not obey laws
They called in the law to determine what should be done next. He's been in and out of trouble with the law for the last 10 years.
Learn More About the law
Statistics for the law
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“The law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20law. Accessed 16 May. 2022.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Food
-
- Name these cookies!
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Face Your Fears
Don't be scared to answer these questions about f...
Take the quiz
-
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP
You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
Take the quiz
-
Name Those Herbs and Spices
How many do you know?
Take the quiz
-
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
The faster you answer, the higher your score
Take the quiz
Share the law