statutory instrument

American  

[stach-oo-tawr-ee in-struh-muhnt] / ˈstætʃ ʊˌtɔr i ˈɪn strə mənt /

noun

Government.

1. an order, regulation, rule, etc., in some members or former members of the Commonwealth of Nations that has the power of a law, made by a member of the government on their own authority rather than being passed through voting.

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Etymology

Origin of statutory instrument

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

statutory instrument

The move requires legislation, in the form of a statutory instrument, and a short consultation is taking place this week.

From BBC ● May 2, 2026

“There would be a requirement to change the date in the Withdrawal Act and there would have to be a statutory instrument which would have to be approved in both Houses of Parliament.”

From The Guardian ● Mar. 19, 2019

The government said the cap on fees could be lifted legitimately, via a statutory instrument, and that a vote would still be required if there was a challenge from MPs.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2016

At issue was a seemingly mundane statutory instrument containing the government’s planned cuts to tax credits next April.

From Economist ● Oct. 29, 2015

The fact that the statutory instrument has not made it into law means the whole spectrum liberalisation plan has been thrown into doubt.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 7, 2010