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

Federal law is entirely silent on this; the only federal statutes that govern the receipt of mail ballots explicitly defer to states’ decisions about deadlines.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2026

Federal law does not allow a living president to appear on US currency.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Federal law requires non-citizens to carry proof of their lawful status.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Federal law enforcement officers were staging a joint enforcement operation in the area, according to the plea agreement.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

It is hard to explain to the children that the birds have been killed off, when they have learned in school that a Federal law protects the birds from killing or capture.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson