Ordinance: meaning, definitions and examples
⚖️
ordinance
[ˈɔːrdɪnəns ]
Definition
government
An ordinance is a local law or regulation made by a city or town government. It is usually about matters such as safety, health, morals, or welfare.
Synonyms
law, regulation, rule.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ordinance |
Usually used to describe a law or regulation enacted by a municipal authority, often relating to local issues such as zoning, noise, and parking.
|
| regulation |
Rules made by authorities, often within a specific industry or sector, to control activities and ensure compliance with standards or policies.
|
| law |
Broad term used for rules established by a governing authority, involving areas such as criminal, civil, and administrative matters. Can be local, state, or federal.
|
| rule |
A guideline or principle governing conduct within a particular activity, organization, or field. Often less formal than laws or regulations.
|
Examples of usage
- The city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in public parks.
- The new ordinance requires all businesses to recycle their waste.
- The ordinance prohibits parking on the street overnight.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term originated from the Latin word 'ordinantia', which means arrangement or order.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'ordinance,' emphasizing the concept of setting rules.
- Over time, its usage broadened to include regulations passed by local governments.
Legal Framework
- Ordinances are often created to address local issues, such as zoning, health codes, and safety regulations.
- They can vary widely in scope, from noise control to building regulations.
- Public hearings are usually required before an ordinance can be enacted, allowing community input.
Historical Significance
- The first known ordinances date back to ancient civilizations, regulating everything from trade to public conduct.
- In the U.S., many cities adopted ordinances to address issues raised during the Industrial Revolution, such as sanitation and housing.
- Famous ordinances include the Prohibition Laws in the early 20th century, which forbade the sale of alcohol.
Contemporary Relevance
- Many modern cities use ordinances to tackle contemporary issues like environmental protection and public health.
- Ordinances can also lead to local debates on topics such as gun control, minimum wage, and housing development.
- Amendments to ordinance laws can occur to reflect changing community values and needs.
Famous Examples
- The New York City Cabaret Law, an ordinance that regulates live music performances in bars, sparked discussions about artistic expression.
- San Francisco's 'Soda Tax' ordinance aimed to reduce sugary drink consumption for health benefits and was controversial among businesses.
- Various cities have ordinances regarding the use of plastic bags, aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Translations
Translations of the word "ordinance" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ordenança
🇮🇳 अधिनियम
🇩🇪 Verordnung
🇮🇩 peraturan
🇺🇦 ординація
🇵🇱 rozporządzenie
🇯🇵 条例 (じょうれい)
🇫🇷 ordonnance
🇪🇸 ordenanza
🇹🇷 yönetmelik
🇰🇷 조례 (jo-rye)
🇸🇦 مرسوم
🇨🇿 vyhláška
🇸🇰 vyhláška
🇨🇳 条例 (tiáolì)
🇸🇮 uredba
🇮🇸 reglugerð
🇰🇿 жарлық
🇬🇪 დადგენილება
🇦🇿 qərar
🇲🇽 ordenanza