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Word

legislature

noun C1
UK /ˈlɛd͡ʒɪsləˌt͡ʃʊə/
US /ˈlɛd͡ʒɪˌsleɪt͡ʃɚ/

Meanings

noun

The official law-making body of a country, state, or region.

legislature: The official law-making body of a country, state, or region.

Definition

A legislature is the official group of people who make and change a country or region’s laws.

A legislature is a formal law-making body, such as a parliament, congress, or assembly. Its members debate proposals, vote on bills, and create or amend laws for a state, province, or nation. Depending on the system, it may have one chamber or two and may also oversee the work of the government.

Examples

  • The legislature debated the climate bill for weeks before sending it to a final vote.
  • After the election, she joined the legislature and focused on reforming education policy.
  • The governor urged the legislature to act quickly, but it insisted on further committee hearings.
  • If you want the rules to change, you need to persuade the legislature, not just complain online.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse legislature (the law-making body) with legislation (the laws or the act of making laws).