leg·is·la·tive
ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tiv 
-slə-
1
a
: having the power or performing the function of legislating
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
: 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
Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
This legislative move not only provides the ultimate backstop for consumer protection but structurally reinforces the dominance of the US dollar.
—Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
State lawmakers typically meet every 10 years after the census to draw state legislative, board of education and congressional districts.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
For example, the Fed boss cannot alter legislative or regulatory tweaks that run counter to the central bank’s wishes.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
This legislative move not only provides the ultimate backstop for consumer protection but structurally reinforces the dominance of the US dollar.
—Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Noun
Unfortunately, for the last 50 years, the balance of power that our founders envisioned between the executive and legislative branches of government has been shifting towards the executive and away from the legislative.
—Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
State lawmakers typically meet every 10 years after the census to draw state legislative, board of education and congressional districts.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for legislative
Cite this Entry
“Legislative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legislative. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
