legislative

1 of 2

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tiv 

-slə-

1

a

: having the power or performing the function of legislating

b

: belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations compare executive, judicial

2

a

: of or relating to a legislature

legislative committees

b

: composed of members of a legislature

legislative caucus

c

: created by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body

d

: designed to assist a legislature or its members

a legislative research agency

3

: of, concerned with, or created by legislation

legislative courts

legislatively adverb

legislative

2 of 2

noun

: the body or department exercising the power and function of legislating : legislature

Examples of legislative in a Sentence

Adjective

the legislative branch of the government

She is interested in the legislative process.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Hochul is floating the proposal as part of her agenda for the upcoming state legislative session that begins in January. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Nowhere has legislative pushback garnered as much outside attention this year as in North Carolina, where some critics characterize the moves by Republican lawmakers as an audacious power grab. —Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024

Noun

In addition to the presidential race, Michigan voters are casting votes to fill an open U.S. Senate seat and weighing in on congressional, state legislative, Michigan Supreme Court and university board races, as well as local offices and proposals. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024

Congressional investigations led by Grassley uncovered multiple issues including UACs being released to MS-13 gang members and alleged traffickers, prompting him to file criminal complaints and Senate Republicans to propose legislatives solutions. —Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing legislative

• legislative assembly
• legislative council
• quasi-legislative

Kids Definition

legislative

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive

ˈlej-ə-ˌslāt-iv

1

: having the power of legislating

the legislative branch

2

: of or relating to a legislature or legislation

legislatively adverb

Legal Definition

legislative

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-tiv 

1

a

: having the power or performing the function of legislating

b

: belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations compare administrative sense 2, executive, judicial

2

a

: of or relating to a legislature

legislative committees

b

: composed of members of a legislature

legislative caucus

c

: created or effectuated by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body

d

: designed to assist a legislature or its members

a legislative research agency

3

: of, concerned with, or created by legislation

legislatively adverb