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

Republicans have suggested the sprawling measure, which runs more than 1,500 pages, is omnibus legislation—a single spending package that ties together multiple bills—rather than a continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily extend funding at existing levels. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Still, all but a handful of Senate Democrats — as well as nearly all Republicans — voted for the bill’s final passage, sending the legislation to President Biden. —Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

Approval of the sweeping, must-pass legislation came with little time to spare: The 2024 NDAA expires at year’s end, and this is the Senate’s last working week of the year. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Dec. 2024

Credit card payments groups oppose the legislation, saying the fees support fraud-prevention technology and consumer rewards programs. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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