noun
Common
statute
STATYOOT
Statute (noun) means a formal law passed by a parliament, congress, or other legislative body. Example: “The statute requires every cyclist to have a working light after dark.”
noun
1
A formal law passed by a parliament, congress, or other legislative body.
"The statute requires every cyclist to have a working light after dark."
"The new statute makes it illegal to text while driving."
"Congress passed a statute limiting emissions from factories."
2
A rule set out in the official governing document of an organization.
"Under the society's statutes, members must pay their fees each January."
"A statute in our charity's founding document sets how trustees are chosen."
"The club's statutes require an annual vote for president."
How to use statute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA written law, or a formal rule an organization sets for itself.
Common mistake
Easy to mix up with "statue" (a carved likeness) purely by spelling — they are unrelated words.
Common pairings
a statute of limitations
pass a statute
under statute
statutory law
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Word forms
- Plural
- statutes
Fill the gap
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The _____ requires every cyclist to have a working light after dark.
Etymology
From Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum, "a thing decided" — from statuere, "to set up or establish."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for statute
See all rhymes for statute →Frequently asked questions
What does “statute” mean?
The word “statute” means a formal law passed by a parliament, congress, or other legislative body. In plain terms, a written law, or a formal rule an organization sets for itself.
How do you pronounce “statute”?
“Statute” is pronounced STATYOOT (/ˈstæt͡ʃuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “statute” in a sentence?
Here is “statute” used in a sentence: “The new statute makes it illegal to text while driving.”
What part of speech is “statute”?
“Statute” is a noun.
Where does the word “statute” come from?
The word “statute” comes from Late Latin. From Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum, "a thing decided" — from statuere, "to set up or establish.".
Is “statute” a common word?
“Statute” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “statute” have?
“Statute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal law passed by a parliament, congress, or other legislative body.
What is the difference between a statute and a law?
A statute specifically refers to a formal law passed by a parliament, congress, or other legislative body, making it a more precise term than "law," which can also cover common law, regulations, and other legal rules not enacted by a legislature.
What is the difference between a statute and a bylaw or organizational statute?
A statute can also refer to a rule set out in the official governing document of an organization, such as a university or club, separate from the legislative sense of a national or state law. Context usually makes clear which meaning applies.
What is a common legal phrase using statute?
A frequent legal phrase is "statute of limitations," referring to the time limit set by law for bringing a legal action, which draws on the formal, legislated nature of a statute.
