statute

American  

[stach-oot, -oot] / ˈstætʃ ut, -ʊt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. an enactment made by a legislature and expressed in a formal document.

   2. the document in which such an enactment is expressed.

2. International Law. an instrument annexed or subsidiary to an international agreement, as a treaty.

3. a permanent rule established by an organization, corporation, etc., to govern its internal affairs.

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statute British  

/ ˈstætjuːt /

noun

1. 1. an enactment of a legislative body expressed in a formal document

   2. this document

2. a permanent rule made by a body or institution for the government of its internal affairs

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Etymology

Origin of statute

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English statut, from Old French estatut, from Late Latin statūtum, noun use of neuter of Latin statūtus “made to stand,” past participle of statuere “to make stand, set up,” verb derivative of status status

Explanation

A statute is a formal law or rule. Whether it's enacted by a government, company, or other organization, a statute is typically written down. Local governments can pass all kinds of statutes, or written laws, to govern their citizens. A city's government might try to restrict the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public, or make it illegal to pet cats on the weekends. Of course, silly statutes like no cat-petting on weekends can be pretty hard to pass.

Example Sentences

Essayli would charge Orellana with conspiracy — under a federal statute typically used to build cases against drug traffickers and organized crime — and with aiding and abetting civil disorder.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

“But on its face, the statute does not exempt negotiations that the leagues may have with streaming services.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

For 30 years, both parties have shown nearly unanimous support for that statute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

In some cases, fraud has a four-year statute of limitations.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The statute of limitations ticks itself out, day by day, all memory of the crime being washed away.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• act
• bill
• decree
• edict
• measure
• regulation