legislature

American  

[lej-is-ley-cher] / ˈlɛdʒ ɪsˌleɪ tʃər /

noun

1. a deliberative body of persons, usually elective, who are empowered to make, change, or repeal the laws of a country or state; the branch of government having the power to make laws, as distinguished from the executive and judicial branches of government.

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legislature British  

/ ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪtʃə /

noun

1. a body of persons vested with power to make, amend, and repeal laws Compare executive judiciary

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Other Word Forms

• sublegislature noun

Etymology

Origin of legislature

First recorded in 1670–80; legislat(or) + -ure

Example Sentences

Another common critique is that any center mandated by the legislature amounts to outside interference and is inherently invalid.

From The Wall Street Journal

His reasoning hinged on the bedrock constitutional principle that the taxing power—which includes the power to levy tariffs—belongs to the legislature, not the president.

From The Wall Street Journal

In New Jersey, a bill moving through the legislature would prohibit certain harmful chemicals in synthetic hair products.

From Science Daily

Individual governors and state legislatures are also scrambling to fill the void and create coalitions that can mobilize quickly in case of another public health emergency like the pandemic.

From Salon

The company has long been a key player in state and local races, pouring millions into ballot measures, the state legislature and candidates for California governor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• body
• chamber
• house
• parliament