noun
Common
decree
dih-KREE
Decree (noun) means an official order or law issued by an authority. Example: “A new decree from the council closed the old market square.”
noun
1
An official order or law issued by an authority.
"A new decree from the council closed the old market square."
"The emperor's decree was read aloud in every town."
"The king issued a decree banning the export of grain."
2
A formal ruling handed down by a court, especially in matters of equity, admiralty, or probate.
"The judge signed the decree after hearing both sides of the dispute."
"The court's decree settled who would inherit the estate."
"The couple's divorce became final once the decree was granted."
verb
1
To officially order or command something.
"The queen decreed that the festival should be held every spring."
"The council decreed a ban on cars in the old town."
"The government decreed a nationwide curfew during the emergency."
How to use decree
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, official command or ruling — from a ruler, government, or court.
Common pairings
issue a decree
royal decree
decree nisi
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Word forms
- Plural
- decrees
- Third person singular
- decrees
- Past tense
- decreed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A new _____ from the council closed the old market square.
Etymology
From Old French decré (French décret), from Latin dēcrētum.
Related words
Rhymes for decree
See all rhymes for decree →Frequently asked questions
What does “decree” mean?
The word “decree” means an official order or law issued by an authority. In plain terms, a formal, official command or ruling — from a ruler, government, or court.
How do you pronounce “decree”?
“Decree” is pronounced dih-KREE (/dɪˈkɹiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “decree” in a sentence?
Here is “decree” used in a sentence: “The king issued a decree banning the export of grain.”
What part of speech is “decree”?
Depending on how it is used, “decree” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “decree” come from?
The word “decree” comes from Latin. From Old French decré (French décret), from Latin dēcrētum.
Is “decree” a common word?
“Decree” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “decree” have?
“Decree” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official order or law issued by an authority.
What is the difference between a decree and a law?
A decree is an official order or ruling issued by an authority, often taking effect without going through the usual legislative process that a law typically requires. A law is generally enacted through a formal legislative body, while a decree can be issued directly by a ruler, government official, or court.
What is a decree in a legal or court context?
In a legal context, a decree is a formal ruling handed down by a court, especially in matters of equity, admiralty, or probate, functioning as a binding decision on the specific case before it.
Can decree be used as a verb as well as a noun?
Yes, decree can be used as a verb meaning to officially order or command something, as in a ruler decreeing a new policy, in addition to its noun meaning of the order or ruling itself.
