adjective
-
of, relating to, or having the nature of a statute
-
prescribed or authorized by statute
-
-
recognized by statute
-
subject to a punishment or penalty prescribed by statute
-
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of statutory
Explanation
If something is statutory, it is related to or set by laws or statutes. Statutory restrictions on air pollution require drivers to have the emissions from their cars checked every few years. You might wonder what the difference is between statutory and legal. Both are adjectives and both are concerned with the law. If something is legal, it is allowed by the law, whereas if it is statutory, it is regulated by law. In the negative, this is easier to understand. If something is not legal, the law says you can't do it. If something is not statutory, there are no laws regulating it.
Vocabulary lists containing statutory
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Just Mercy
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Statutory profit before tax fell 19% on year to 298 million pounds.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
Statutory interpretation decisions, standing alone, do not open the gate.
From Slate • Jan. 10, 2026
"Statutory US tariff rates may not move much in 2026, but uncertainty around laws, norms, investment rules, military actions and geopolitics more generally will remain elevated," S&P said.
From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025
Statutory paternity leave, which was introduced in 2003, allows most new fathers and second parents in the UK to take up to two weeks off work.
From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025
It contained no provision for a Statutory Legislative body.
From Ireland Since Parnell by Sheehan, D. D. (Daniel Desmond)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
