First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
ordinance
noun or·di·nance \ˈȯrd-nən(t)s, ˈȯr-də-nən(t)s\
: a law or regulation made by a city or town government
Full Definition of ORDINANCE
1
a : an authoritative decree or direction : order b : a law set forth by a governmental authority; specifically : a municipal regulation
2
: something ordained or decreed by fate or a deity
3
: a prescribed usage, practice, or ceremony
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Origin of ORDINANCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French ordenance order, disposition, from Medieval Latin ordinantia, from Latin ordinant-, ordinans, present participle of ordinare to put in order — more at ordain
Synonym Discussion of ORDINANCE
law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority <obey the law>. rule applies to more restricted or specific situations <the rules of the game>. regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system <regulations affecting nuclear power plants>. precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching <the precepts of effective writing>. statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body <a statute requiring the use of seat belts>. ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality <a city ordinance>. canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide <the canons of good taste>.
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ORDINANCE Defined for Kids
ordinance
noun or·di·nance \ˈȯr-də-nəns\
Definition of ORDINANCE for Kids
: a law or regulation especially of a city or town
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