statute

noun

stat·​ute ˈsta-(ˌ)chüt How to pronounce statute (audio)
-chət
Synonyms of statute
1
: a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government
2
: an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule
3
: an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority

Synonyms of statute

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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.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the 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.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a 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.

a city ordinance

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

the canons of good taste

Examples of statute in a Sentence

The state legislature passed the statute by an overwhelming margin. business practices that are prohibited by statute
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the other hand, the fossil fuel industry contends the legislation would prevent states and environmental groups from weaponizing courts to stop projects for reasons beyond what is written in federal statutes. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The Herald reached out to both NSU and Cornell, but representatives declined to discuss his records, citing federal statutes protecting students’ privacy. — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 The Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that HHS couldn’t vary payment rates by hospital group without first conducting the acquisition-cost survey required by statute. — Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 The statute, Government Code section 8314, carries civil penalties, and violations beyond incidental use can be prosecuted as felonies. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of statute was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing statute

Browse Nearby Words

statutably
statute
statute-barred
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Cite this Entry

“Statute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

statute

noun
stat·​ute ˈstach-üt How to pronounce statute (audio)
-ət
: a law put into effect by the legislative branch of a government

Legal Definition

statute

noun
stat·​ute ˈsta-chüt How to pronounce statute (audio)
1
: a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government see also code, statutory law
2
: an act of a corporation or its founder intended as a permanent rule
3
: an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority
the statute of the International Court of Justice
Etymology

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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute

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