legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jə-ˈslā-shən 

1

: the action of legislating

specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules (such as laws) that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of a state or other organization

The major function of Congress is legislation.

—W. S. Sayre

2

: the enactments of a legislator or a legislative body

legislation to help distressed homeowners

3

: a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body

She proposed new legislation to protect the environment.

Examples of legislation in a Sentence

They passed new state legislation this week.

Two new pieces of legislation are being considered.

She introduced legislation for protecting the environment.

More legislation is needed on this matter.

Certain animals are protected under state legislation.

One of the important functions of government is legislation.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the polling, Democrats can erode the GOP’s advantage on crime issues by tying Republicans’ votes against gun safety legislation to their backing from the firearms industry. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026

They specifically can’t be used for political lobbying to influence legislation. — Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026

In the weeks ahead, Kavanaugh would work long hours on legislation to help the airline industry survive and create a federal terrorism insurance program later credited with reviving commercial development in New York City and throughout the nation. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Among the components in the legislation are funding for mobile crisis teams, the implementation of a suicide prevention awareness campaign and a requirement for all health insurance plans to cover crisis services. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for legislation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌlej-ə-ˈslā-shən 

1

: the action of making laws

2

: the laws made by a legislator or legislative body

Legal Definition

legislation

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tion ˌle-jəs-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the making or giving of laws

specifically : the exercise of the power and function of making rules that have the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of the state

2

: the enactments of a legislator or legislative body

3

: a matter of business for or under consideration by a legislative body

recently proposed legislation