regulatory

American  

[reg-yuh-luh-tawr-ee] / ˈrɛg yə ləˌtɔr i /

Sometimes regulative

adjective

1. of or relating to the control or direction of an activity by a set of rules, laws, etc..

   The Coast Guard is to be commended for this current regulatory effort, as their proposed restriction addresses many concerns of the seafaring community.

2. of or relating to the adjustment of a device, system, or organic function so as to meet a standard or the requirements of good operation.

   Earth's climate is a highly complex system with its own regulatory mechanisms.

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Other Word Forms

• antiregulatory adjective
• nonregulatory adjective
• unregulatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of regulatory

regulat(e) ( def. ) + -ory ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Regulatory describes something that holds you to the rules. Detention is regulatory, as are other kinds of punishments. When your mom tells you not to run in the house, she’s being regulatory. You’ll notice most of the word regulate is in regulatory. That’s because when something is regulatory, it’s regulated. You also might be reminded of the word regular. Things that are regulatory, like being forced to stay in for recess, are intended to keep things regular — no breaking rules, no breaking laws, no breaking at all. Things that are regulatory are meant to keep you from falling out of line.

Example Sentences

The spokesperson continued, underscoring that food safety “is the number one priority for U.S. confectionery companies,” and that the “FDA is the rightful national regulatory decision maker and leader in food safety.”

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

In a letter addressed to Kari Jeschke, Replimune’s senior vice president of regulatory affairs, the FDA echoed concerns from a previous communication with the biotechnology company, largely pertaining to the study design.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“This is still important for copper projects because it provides more legal and regulatory clarity,” said Nicolás Muñoz, a mining expert at consulting firm CRU Group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

And the UK's regulatory approach to AI has not changed much either.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“The regulatory entomologists ... function as prosecutor, judge and jury, tax assessor and collector and sheriff to enforce their own orders,” said Connecticut entomologist Neely Turner.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• administrative
• managerial