blue law
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of blue law
An Americanism dating back to 1775–85
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.
To strengthen their findings, the researchers examined the repeal of "blue laws," which had previously restricted many businesses from operating on Sundays.
From Science Daily
Welcome to the patchwork of America's blue laws—restrictions on alcohol sales that vary not just by state, but often by county or even city.
From Salon
The bans stem from so-called “blue laws” that also regulate which businesses can remain open and where alcohol can be sold on Sundays.
From Seattle Times
In a society in which Sundays are no longer demarcated by blue laws and quieter rhythms, churches face increasing competition year-round from events like youth soccer tournaments.
From New York Times
The ban on early Sunday alcohol sales remained in place even after the Legislature in 2019 voted to eliminate North Dakota’s so-called blue laws that prohibited retailers from opening Sunday morning.
From Washington Times
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.
