What does legislature mean?
A legislature is the institution that makes laws, and the word can also refer to the elected or appointed members of that institution taken together. In different countries and regions, the same function may be performed by a parliament, congress, assembly, council, or similarly named body. The word is especially common in political and legal reporting, where a legislature may be described as debating, approving, rejecting, or amending a bill. It generally refers to a body with lawmaking authority rather than to the process of lawmaking itself, for which “legislation” is used. Because legislative bodies have different powers and terminology across political systems, the word functions best as a general term: a state legislature may enact state laws, while a national legislature may make laws for the entire country. The related adjective “legislative” describes matters connected with lawmaking, and the verb “legislate” means to make or pass laws.
nounA legislature is an institution, such as a parliament or congress, that has the authority to make and amend laws. The term can also refer collectively to the members of such a body.
- A body with the authority to make and amend laws.
- The members of such a body considered collectively.
"The legislature debated the new housing bill for three days before approving it."
"The legislature approved a measure expanding public-transit funding."
"Members of the legislature met with local officials to discuss the proposed district."
Used when referring to the lawmaking bodies of different countries, states, or other jurisdictions.
"The two legislatures negotiated an agreement on cross-border taxation."
The word “legislature” names the place where laws are made—and, collectively, the people who make them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legislature come from?
The word entered English through Old French and Medieval Latin forms meaning a lawmaking body or act of legislation. Its root is Latin legis, meaning “of the law,” combined with elements associated with appointing or establishing officials. Modern forms such as “legislate” and “legislative” developed from the same Latin legal vocabulary.
Related word forms
How legislature is actually used
The term is most commonly used for a national or regional lawmaking body. In the United States, “state legislature” refers to a state’s legislative branch, while “the Legislature” with a capital L is sometimes used as the formal name of a particular state legislature.
Easily confused with legislature
Parliament is a particular type of legislature, especially the national legislature of the United Kingdom, while legislature is a general term for any lawmaking body.