federal law

American  

[fed-er-uhl law] / ˈfɛd ər əl ˈlɔ /

noun

1. a law or body of laws passed by the central government of the United States or of any other country comprising states, provinces, or other quasi-autonomous units.

   This act to protect migratory birds is a federal law enforcing an international agreement to which the United States is a party.

   She is an expert on federal law.

---

Example Sentences

“As long as they inherit the home, federal laws often allow them to take over the loan without triggering a due-on-sale clause,” he writes in an article on the site.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

Health insurers and the employers that fund employees’ coverage are required to cover autism care by state and federal laws meant to ensure access to mental-health services.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The voting section of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division had enforced federal laws that protect voting rights, particularly those that combat racial discrimination.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

"Widespread access to prediction markets is a relatively new phenomenon, but federal laws protecting national security information fully apply."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Democratic President Harry S. Truman was running for reelection on a platform that included federal laws intended to crack down on lynchings, poll taxes, and employment discrimination.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly