statutory

[stach-oo-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a statute.

2. prescribed or authorized by statute.

3. conforming to statute.

4. (of an offense) recognized by statute; legally punishable.

statutory

/ ˈstætjʊtərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having the nature of a statute

2. prescribed or authorized by statute

3. 1. recognized by statute

   2. subject to a punishment or penalty prescribed by statute

Other Word Forms

• statutorily adverb
• nonstatutory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of statutory¹

First recorded in 1710–20; statute + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

In July, the prime minister announced there would be a full national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales.

From BBC

“Americans made their voices heard last November; Democrats must respect the will of the people. ... EPA will work to fulfill our statutory obligations, emergency response efforts, and Administration priorities.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Henders said they would like to see a full statutory public inquiry on maternity services across the country.

From BBC

"It's indicative of the whole sorry, terrible, tragic mess, and the car crash of our institutions that has led to us having a statutory public inquiry."

From BBC

Now that Tatjana's son Luke has turned 16, Somerset Council says it no longer has a statutory obligation to pay for his transport, which includes a taxi and an in-car support worker.

From BBC

Related Words

• lawful 
• legal