blue law

noun

1

: one of numerous extremely rigorous laws designed to regulate morals and conduct in colonial New England

2

: a statute regulating work, commerce, and amusements on Sundays

Examples of blue law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And keep in mind also that blue laws in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island prohibit retailers from being open in those states. —Bychris Morris, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024

Banning alcohol sales on Sunday dates back to Prohibition-era blue laws in which religious groups sought to reserve the day for worship. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Aug. 2024

New Jersey has a strong history of upholding its blue laws, but coastal protection has been at the forefront in recent years. —Sarah Pulliam Bailey, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Shibe Park was home to some great teams, with the Athletics winning nine pennants and five World Series titles there, but ownership routinely cited the state’s restrictive blue laws for limiting their ability to play home games on Sundays, putting the club at a disadvantage to other teams. —Benjamin Hoffman, New York Times, 26 May 2023

All stores in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will be closed on Thanksgiving due to blue laws, which prohibit retailers from being open. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2019

Another thorny situation: The mall will abide by the blue laws, meaning retail will be closed Sundays even though the restaurants and theme parks will be open, says James Cassella, the East Rutherford, N.J. mayor. —CBS News, 28 Oct. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

blue law

noun

: a statute regulating work, commerce, and amusements on Sunday

Note: Existing blue laws derive from the numerous extremely rigorous laws designed to regulate morals and conduct that were enacted in colonial New England.

Etymology

blue puritanical