Ordinance: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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