Ordinance: meaning, definitions and examples

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ordinance

 

[ ˈɔːrdɪnəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.

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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.

  • The city council passed a new ordinance to reduce noise levels in residential neighborhoods
  • The local ordinance requires all dog owners to clean up after their pets
regulation

Rules made by authorities, often within a specific industry or sector, to control activities and ensure compliance with standards or policies.

  • The new safety regulations require all employees to wear helmets
  • The environmental regulations limit the amount of pollution factories can emit
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.

  • Stealing is against the law
  • She practices law in a prestigious firm
rule

A guideline or principle governing conduct within a particular activity, organization, or field. Often less formal than laws or regulations.

  • The school's rules prohibit the use of cell phones during class
  • House rules state that guests must remove their shoes at the door

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'ordinance' has its origins in Old French and Latin, ultimately deriving from the Latin word 'ordinantia' meaning 'arrangement' or 'order'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to laws or regulations established by authorities.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,335, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.