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.

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Example Sentences

Monsanto appealed, arguing that his claim is pre-empted by federal law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

"That is clear insider trading and is illegal under federal law," justice department officials said.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

"We frequently shared what we learned from informants with local and federal law enforcement."

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

But in a matter of minutes, she’d been arrested and accused of interfering with federal law enforcement.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Practically overnight the budgets of federal law enforcement agencies soared.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander