noun
Common
amendment
uh-MEHND-muhnt
Amendment (noun) means a formal change made to a law, bill, or constitution. Example: “The senator introduced an amendment to close the tax loophole.”
noun
1
A formal change made to a law, bill, or constitution.
"The senator introduced an amendment to close the tax loophole."
"The First Amendment protects freedom of speech."
"Lawmakers voted on an amendment to the bill before it passed."
2
A change or addition made to improve a piece of writing or an agreement.
"We need to make a few amendments to the draft before it's sent out."
"The lawyer suggested one small amendment to the wording of the lease."
"After her teacher's comments, she made an amendment to the essay's conclusion."
How to use amendment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal correction or addition, often used for laws and legal documents.
Common pairings
propose an amendment
pass an amendment
constitutional amendment
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Word forms
- Plural
- amendments
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The senator introduced an _____ to close the tax loophole.
Etymology
From French amendement, built on the same root as "amend."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “amendment” mean?
The word “amendment” means a formal change made to a law, bill, or constitution. In plain terms, a formal correction or addition, often used for laws and legal documents.
How do you pronounce “amendment”?
“Amendment” is pronounced uh-MEHND-muhnt (/əˈmɛndmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “amendment” in a sentence?
Here is “amendment” used in a sentence: “The senator introduced an amendment to close the tax loophole.”
What part of speech is “amendment”?
“Amendment” is a noun.
Where does the word “amendment” come from?
The word “amendment” comes from French. From French amendement, built on the same root as "amend.".
Is “amendment” a common word?
“Amendment” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “amendment” have?
“Amendment” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal change made to a law, bill, or constitution.
What is the difference between an amendment and a revision?
An amendment is a formal change or addition made to a specific part of a law, bill, contract, or piece of writing, leaving the rest of the document intact. A revision usually implies a broader reworking of the whole text. Use "amendment" when a single clause or provision is altered, and "revision" when the document is substantially rewritten.
Do you say "amendment to" or "amendment of"?
"Amendment to" is the standard collocation when a change is made to a document: "an amendment to the constitution." "Amendment of" is also grammatical but appears more often in formal legal drafting, as in "the amendment of section 3." In everyday writing, "amendment to" is the safer choice.
What is the difference between an amendment and an addendum?
An amendment changes existing wording in a law, agreement, or text, while an addendum adds new material to the end of a document without altering what is already there. If a clause in a contract is rewritten, that is an amendment; if extra terms are attached after signing, that is an addendum.
Is amendment only used in legal contexts?
No. Although amendment most often describes a formal change to a law, bill, or constitution, it also refers to any change or addition made to improve a piece of writing or an agreement. An editor may make amendments to a manuscript, for example.
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