noun
ordinance
OR-dih-nuhns/ˈɔːrdɪnəns/
A rule prescribed by an authority.
A city ordinance prohibits parking on this street after midnight.
Etymology
Putting things “in order” extended to directing how they should be done. An ordinance is such an authoritative direction, specifically a local government's rule in this sense.
In context
state law requires that if a local government passes an ordinance or a law there's two readings required
More examples
- The council passed an ordinance limiting construction noise.
- Local ordinances require restaurants to keep sidewalks clear.
- The church regards baptism as a sacred ordinance.
Forms
ordinance · ordinances
Similar words
- rule
- A broader term covering informal expectations as well as laws.
- regulation
- Usually a detailed requirement issued to implement a law.
- decree
- An official command, often issued by a single ruler.