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

Pérez is considering introducing the legislation as an urgency bill, a type of legislation that goes into effect immediately once signed by Governor , according to The Sacramento Bee. —Martha McHardy, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

If Pritzker signs the bill into law, Illinois would join five other states that have similar measures on the books and dozens of others that have introduced legislation attempting to address warehouse workplace issues. —Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025

Home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, the center was founded via bipartisan legislation in 1958 as the United States’ national cultural center; in 1964, it was recognized as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, following his assassination. —News Desk, Artforum, 28 Jan. 2025

Since the passing of legislation, like Senate Bill 946, which decriminalized sidewalk vending, the county has seen an uptick in these businesses, the ordinance states. —Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 2025

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