noun

statute

STATYOOT

noun

A formal law passed by a parliament, congress, or other legislative body.

"The new statute makes it illegal to text while driving."

"Congress passed a statute limiting emissions from factories."

A rule set out in the official governing document of an organization.

"The club's statutes require an annual vote for president."

How to Use Statute

Learner’s notes

In 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.

Easily confused with

statue → stature →

Common pairings

a statute of limitations pass a statute under statute statutory law

statutes plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The new _____ makes it illegal to text while driving.

From Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum, "a thing decided" — from statuere, "to set up or establish."

ute cute mute lute flute acute haute brute chute route minute refute