legislator

[ lej-is-ley-ter ]

noun

1. a person who gives or makes laws.

   Synonyms: lawgiver, lawmaker

2. a member of a legislative body.

legislator

/ ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a person concerned with the making or enactment of laws
2. a member of a legislature

Derived Forms

• ˈlegisˌlatorˌship, noun
• ˈlegisˌlatress, noun:feminine

Other Words From

• legis·lator·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legislator¹

1595–1605; < Latin phrase lēgis lātor a law's bringer (i.e., proposer), equivalent to lēgis (genitive of lēx law) + lātor bringer ( lā ( tus ), suppletive past participle of ferre to bring + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of legislator¹

C17: from Latin lēgis lātor, from lēx law + lātor from lātus, past participle of ferre to bring

Example Sentences

However, Chairwoman Stabenow’s proposed Farm Bill text has already faced sharp criticism from Republican legislators, many of whom argue the bill should put more “farm back in the Farm Bill.”

From Salon

The envisioned Range of Light monument — a nod to naturalist John Muir’s moniker for the Sierra Nevada — was endorsed by more than 50 state legislators in an August letter.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s not a lot of individual thought by legislators — at least that they openly express — in this era of extreme polarization.

From Los Angeles Times

Texas legislators had subpoenaed Roberson to testify in October, a novel way to delay the scheduled execution of a man many people believe to be innocent.

From Salon

When federal legislators eased tribal land restrictions in 1959, allowing for 99-year leases, the city and tribal land owners had an opportunity to address health concerns in the area — and cash in on the land.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• administrator
• council member
• deputy
• lawmaker
• leader
• member
• parliamentarian
• representative
• senator