ordinance
noun
or·di·nance
ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s 
ˈȯrd-nən(t)s
ˈȯrd-nən(t)s
1
a
: an authoritative decree or direction : order
On that day the king signed three ordinances.
b
: a law set forth by a governmental authority
specifically
: a municipal regulation
A city ordinance forbids construction work to start before 8 a.m.
2
: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
Let ordinance come as the gods foresay [=foretell] it.—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare3
: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony
observes the ordinance of abstinence during Lent
Examples of ordinance in a Sentence
The town has passed a zoning ordinance limiting construction.
a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms
Recent Examples on the Web
The council last year passed an ordinance that will require sidewalk-detection technology by July 1, with parking restrictions required for some areas by next year.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Soon patrons will be able to walk around the South Downtown Entertainment District with a drink in hand, thanks to a city ordinance exemption passed by the Atlanta City Council on Monday.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
The festival is free to attend; pets are not allowed due to a City of Winter Park ordinance.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
In 2024, Berkeley and Oakland passed ordinances outlawing discrimination based on family structure, including polyamorous relationships.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordinance
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Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Soon patrons will be able to walk around the South Downtown Entertainment District with a drink in hand, thanks to a city ordinance exemption passed by the Atlanta City Council on Monday.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
The festival is free to attend; pets are not allowed due to a City of Winter Park ordinance.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
In 2024, Berkeley and Oakland passed ordinances outlawing discrimination based on family structure, including polyamorous relationships.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordinance
Cite this Entry
“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ordinance
noun
or·di·nance
ˈȯrd-nən(t)s
-ᵊn-ən(t)s
: a law or regulation especially of a city or town
Legal Definition
ordinance
noun
or·di·nance
ˈȯrd-ᵊn-əns
: an authoritative decree or law
especially
: a municipal regulation
a zoning ordinance
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