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
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
Plus, eight states are weighing legislation this year to create their own auto-IRA programs.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
The 2026 legislation is moving forward in Tallahassee, though it could be amended at subsequent committee hearings.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
The legislation was irresponsible to start out with.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Eleven states are considering legislation to require utility regulators to develop a new rate class so that data centers foot the bill for their power needs.
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
The 2026 legislation is moving forward in Tallahassee, though it could be amended at subsequent committee hearings.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
The legislation was irresponsible to start out with.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Eleven states are considering legislation to require utility regulators to develop a new rate class so that data centers foot the bill for their power needs.
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislation
Cite this Entry
“Legislation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislation. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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