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# statute

## noun

**:**a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government

**:**an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule

**:**an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority

*statute*


law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

*law*

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

*rules*of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

*regulations*affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

*precepts*of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

*statute*requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

*ordinance*

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

*canons*of good taste

## Examples of *statute* in a Sentence

*statute*by an overwhelming margin. business practices that are prohibited by

*statute*

*statute*. —Mike Deehan,

*Axios*, 30 Oct. 2024 Follow the Law’s ads and website overstate officials’ roles beyond what

*statutes*allow, state officials in Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin said. —Phoebe Petrovic,

*ProPublica*, 30 Oct. 2024 But the passage of the

*statute*had no immediate impact for those who were looking to separate their joint consolidation loans. —Adam S. Minsky,

*Forbes*, 29 Oct. 2024 Fines and penalties vary by state if a voter violates laws or guidelines by taking a picture of their ballot, so check with your area officials or search for your state

*statutes*for more information. —Sam Woodward,

*USA TODAY*, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for

*statute*

## Word History

Middle English, from Anglo-French *estatut*, from Late Latin *statutum* law, regulation, from Latin, neuter of *statutus*, past participle of *statuere* to set up, station, from *status* position, state

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

*statute*was in the 14th century

## Phrases Containing *statute*

## Articles Related to *statute*

## Dictionary Entries Near *statute*

## Cite this Entry

“Statute.” *Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary*, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

## Kids Definition

statute

noun**:**a law put into effect by the legislative branch of a government

## Legal Definition

statute

noun**:**a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government see also code, statutory law

**:**an act of a corporation or its founder intended as a permanent rule

**:**an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority

Latin *statutum* law, regulation, from neuter of *statutus*, past participle of *statuere* to set up, station, from *status* position, state

## More from Merriam-Webster on *statute*

Nglish: Translation of *statute* for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of *statute* for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about *statute*

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