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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Originally an agricultural town, cemeteries began to take root in Colma after a 1901 ordinance banned new burials within San Francisco’s city limits, a decision driven by limited real estate and a booming population. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025 The city of Lakeville stipulates a cannabis retail business shall not operate within 500 feet of a school, according to the city ordinance. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025 One of the goals of these San Diego ordinances is to prevent local resources from being used on immigration enforcement. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 Should the town change any ordinances or rules to alter how development occurs? —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordinance

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

Browse Nearby Words

ordinal number
ordinance
ordinand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ordinance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordinance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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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

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