statute

American  

[stach-oot, -oot] / ˈstætʃ ut, -ʊt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. an enactment made by a legislature and expressed in a formal document.

   2. the document in which such an enactment is expressed.

2. International Law. an instrument annexed or subsidiary to an international agreement, as a treaty.

3. a permanent rule established by an organization, corporation, etc., to govern its internal affairs.

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statute British  

/ ˈstætjuːt /

noun

1. 1. an enactment of a legislative body expressed in a formal document

   2. this document

2. a permanent rule made by a body or institution for the government of its internal affairs

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Etymology

Origin of statute

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English statut, from Old French estatut, from Late Latin statūtum, noun use of neuter of Latin statūtus “made to stand,” past participle of statuere “to make stand, set up,” verb derivative of status status

Explanation

A statute is a formal law or rule. Whether it's enacted by a government, company, or other organization, a statute is typically written down. Local governments can pass all kinds of statutes, or written laws, to govern their citizens. A city's government might try to restrict the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public, or make it illegal to pet cats on the weekends. Of course, silly statutes like no cat-petting on weekends can be pretty hard to pass.

Example Sentences

The decision was only a partial win for Lively, however, as the court denied her request for damages under the statute she used in her claim.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

While the judge rejected Lively’s request for additional damages in this particular motion, her legal team said she could still seek them through other legal avenues permitted under the statute.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

Although the statute expires at midnight on Friday going into Saturday, surveillance programs operate under year-long certifications approved by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court -- meaning existing surveillance authorizations could theoretically continue through March 2027.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

In Stewart’s view, what a jury was not to be trusted to do without the guidance given in the Georgia statute, they could now be entrusted to do.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

They weren’t visible, because the clouds were low and by statute airships had to keep a certain height above fen country, but who knew what cunning spy devices they might carry?

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Related Words

• act
• bill
• decree
• edict
• measure
• regulation