legislature
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of legislature
First recorded in 1670–80; legislat(or) + -ure
Explanation
A legislature is a governing body that makes laws and can also amend or repeal them. The word legislature comes from the Latin word for "law" — legis. In the US, each state has a legislature — made up of the elected state senators and assemblymen or women, or representatives. The US Congress is the national legislature. These bodies, whose members are often referred to as "law-makers," make up the legislative branch of government, as distinct from the executive and judicial branches.
Vocabulary lists containing legislature
U.S. Government Lingo
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!
Vocabulary from The Articles of Confederation
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!
The American Revolution - Introductory
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.
But a contribution to a pension fund creates a legal obligation to specific beneficiaries, not a discretionary reserve the Legislature can draw on whenever the budget runs short.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
More specifically, they claimed that the Virginia Constitution prevents amendments unless there is an intervening election in between the first time a proposed amendment is introduced and passed in the Legislature and the second time.
From Slate • May 8, 2026
At the state level, Republican strategist Matt Rexroad sees the ruling affecting the California Legislature as well.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
If passed by the Legislature and voters, the amendment would would require the regents to appoint two undergraduate and two graduate students to two-year terms beginning July 1, 2027.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Anthony asked Elizabeth Cady Stanton to be the spokesperson for the effort and to address a joint session of the Judiciary Committee of the New York Legislature.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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.
