ordinance

American  

[awr-dn-uhns] / ˈɔr dn əns /

noun

1. an authoritative rule or law; a decree or command.

   Synonyms:

   order

2. a public injunction or regulation.

   a city ordinance against excessive horn blowing.

   Synonyms:

   order

3. something believed to have been ordained, as by a deity or destiny.

4. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an established rite or ceremony.

   2. a sacrament.

   3. the communion.

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ordinance British  

/ ˈɔːdɪnəns /

noun

1. an authoritative regulation, decree, law, or practice

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Other Word Forms

• preordinance noun

Etymology

Origin of ordinance

1275–1325; Middle English ordinaunce (< Old French ordenance ) < Medieval Latin ordinantia, derivative of Latin ordinant- (stem of ordināns ), present participle of ordināre to arrange. See ordination, -ance

Example Sentences

I went home, ran for city council and after reading Mr. Sasses’s 2018 book, “Them: Why We Hate Each Other—and How to Heal,” began revisiting local ordinances to reduce loneliness and strengthen civic life.

From The Wall Street Journal

The new ordinance also prohibits rent increases for additional tenants, such as babies or elderly parents, who are under the care of the primary residents.

From The Wall Street Journal

In October, the City Council approved an ordinance creating a rewards program for information leading to arrests.

From Los Angeles Times

It hasn’t been uncommon for police to launch drones to assist in search-and-rescue operations, but some departments now rely on drones instead of patrol officers to enforce ordinances and issue tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is no zoning, noise rules, light ordinances or land-use limits.

From Salon