legislative

1 of 2

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tiv 

-slə-

1

a

: having the power or performing the function of legislating

b

: belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations compare executive, judicial

2

a

: of or relating to a legislature

legislative committees

b

: composed of members of a legislature

legislative caucus

c

: created by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body

d

: designed to assist a legislature or its members

a legislative research agency

3

: of, concerned with, or created by legislation

legislative courts

legislatively adverb

legislative

2 of 2

noun

: the body or department exercising the power and function of legislating : legislature

Examples of legislative in a Sentence

Adjective

the legislative branch of the government

She is interested in the legislative process.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In Nashville, that legislative push involved the Broadway Entertainment Association, an alliance of downtown business owners that formed in early 2023 to back beneficial policies for the Lower Broadway tourism hub. —Austin Hornbostel, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Thanks to recent historic legislative reforms, Florida's insurance market is stabilizing and more companies are entering the market. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Noun

As Abbott did Texas, Governor Lee then engaged a number of state legislatives races during the 2024 cycle in order to help candidates who support school choice beat those who oppose it. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

In addition to the presidential race, Michigan voters are casting votes to fill an open U.S. Senate seat and weighing in on congressional, state legislative, Michigan Supreme Court and university board races, as well as local offices and proposals. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing legislative

• legislative assembly
• legislative council
• quasi-legislative

Kids Definition

legislative

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive

ˈlej-ə-ˌslāt-iv

1

: having the power of legislating

the legislative branch

2

: of or relating to a legislature or legislation

legislatively adverb

Legal Definition

legislative

adjective

leg·​is·​la·​tive ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-tiv 

1

a

: having the power or performing the function of legislating

b

: belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as making laws, levying and collecting taxes, and making financial appropriations compare administrative sense 2, executive, judicial

2

a

: of or relating to a legislature

legislative committees

b

: composed of members of a legislature

legislative caucus

c

: created or effectuated by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body

d

: designed to assist a legislature or its members

a legislative research agency

3

: of, concerned with, or created by legislation

legislatively adverb