ordinance

noun

or·​di·​nance ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordinance (audio) ˈȯrd-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordinance (audio)
Synonyms of ordinancenext
1
a
: an authoritative decree or direction : order
On that day the king signed three ordinances.
b
: a law set forth by a governmental authority
specifically : a municipal regulation
A city ordinance forbids construction work to start before 8 a.m.
2
: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
Let ordinance come as the gods foresay [=foretell] it.—William Shakespeare
3
: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony
observes the ordinance of abstinence during Lent

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for ordinance

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 ordinance in a Sentence

The town has passed a zoning ordinance limiting construction. a local ordinance forbids all street parking during snowstorms
Recent Examples on the Web An ordinance barred people without a permanent residence from sleeping outside. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2024 Shortly afterward, a group of homeless people in Grants Pass challenged the city’s ordinances. —Abbie Vansickle, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024 But Flores said language in the ordinance and included in the permit application to hold demonstrations during the RNC creates a potential liability for organizers. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024 In Supreme Court documents, lawyers representing homeless residents said most cities with anti-camping ordinances don't go as far as the ordinance in Grants Pass. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024 Beck pointed to the city’s effort to make changes to ordinances, and the extra staff hours spent to set up a special taxing district that will fund further improvements. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2024 Maureen Marrin, a part-time Uber and Lyft driver, opposes the ordinance. —Trisha Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024 The board’s president replied that the Thursday vote was the first reading of an ordinance to change the name, and as such, officially only signaled the board’s intent to change the name. —George Avalos, The Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2024 The ordinance mandates rideshare drivers make at least $1.40 per mile and $0.51 per minute within Minneapolis. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ordinance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near ordinance

ordinal number

ordinance

ordinand

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinance. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

ordinance

noun
or·​di·​nance ˈȯrd-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordinance (audio)
-ᵊn-ən(t)s
: a law or regulation especially of a city or town

Legal Definition

ordinance

noun
or·​di·​nance ˈȯrd-ᵊn-əns How to pronounce ordinance (audio)
: an authoritative decree or law
especially : a municipal regulation
a zoning ordinance

More from Merriam-Webster on ordinance

Nglish: Translation of ordinance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ordinance for Arabic Speakers

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