legislator

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tor ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tər  -ˌslā-ˌtȯr 

 also  ˌle-jə-ˈslā-ˌtȯr

: one that makes laws especially for a political unit

especially : a member of a legislative body

legislatorial

ˌle-jə-slə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

legislatorship

ˈle-jə-ˌslā-tər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

• lawgiver
• lawmaker
• solon

Examples of legislator in a Sentence

Write to your state legislator.

the legislators met in an all-night session to hammer out the details of the bill

Recent Examples on the Web

In the 1970s, California legislators, led by Dixon Arnett, sought to criminalize the hiring of undocumented people—hoping to stem the tide of migration. —Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

The Switch Up podcast series — hosted by The Hill’s Cheyanne M. Daniels — explores the intersection of race and politics through intimate conversations with leading scholars, advocates and legislators from communities of color. —Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

Suddenly, a concept first floated, unsuccessfully, back in 1997 by Texas GOP House member Ron Paul and subsequently revived by a few other legislators, to no avail, seemed to be gaining traction. —Bob Woods, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

But not before drawing national media attention, rallying passionate activists on both sides of the issue and jeopardizing the political futures of several state justices and legislators. —Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin legis lator, literally, proposer of a law, from legis (genitive of lex law) + lator proposer, from ferre (past participle latus) to carry, propose — more at tolerate, bear

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

legislator

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tor ˈlej-ə-ˌslā-ˌtȯ(ə)r  -ˌslāt-ər 

: a person who makes laws

especially : a member of a legislature

Legal Definition

legislator

noun

leg·​is·​la·​tor ˈle-jəs-ˌlā-tər, -ˌtȯr 

: a person who makes laws especially for a political unit

especially : a member of a legislative body

legislatorial

ˌle-jəs-lə-ˈtōr-ē-əl 

adjective

legislatorship noun

Etymology

Latin legis lator, literally, proposer of a law, from legis (genitive of lex law) + lator proposer, from ferre (past participle latus) to carry, propose