ordinance
C1Formal, official, legal
Definition
Meaning
A formal authoritative order, decree, or law, typically one enacted by a local authority such as a city or town council.
Can also refer broadly to a prescribed religious practice or ritual, or a long-standing social custom or rule. In older or formal use, it can simply mean an authoritative arrangement or regulation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to local government legislation, distinct from federal/national laws (statutes, acts). Implies a rule passed by a legislative body with limited jurisdiction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is largely historical and legalistic. In American English, it is actively used for local (municipal/county) laws. The UK more commonly uses 'by-law' for local rules.
Connotations
In US: Neutral, procedural. In UK: Archaic, formal, or specifically religious (ecclesiastical ordinance).
Frequency
Much more frequent in contemporary American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[authority] passed an ordinance [on/against/regarding + NP]an ordinance [prohibiting/requiring/governing + VP-ing]under [city/state] ordinanceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a law unto themselves (idiom related to disregarding rules, not directly 'ordinance')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to local business licensing, zoning, or operational regulations a company must follow.
Academic
Used in political science, urban studies, or legal history discussing local governance.
Everyday
Used when discussing local rules, e.g., 'There's a new city ordinance about recycling bins.'
Technical
A specific, codified local law within a municipal legal framework.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The city has an ordinance about dog leashes.
- They passed a new ordinance limiting loud music after 10 PM.
- The local ordinance prohibits the construction of buildings over three storeys in the historic district.
- The council's zoning ordinance was challenged in court for being overly restrictive to commercial development.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ORDer issued by a city council' - ORD from order + INANCE sounds like finance, something a council also deals with.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A STRUCTURE (foundation, framework), AUTHORITY IS A PARENT (laying down the rules).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'орден' (order, medal). 'Ordinance' is not about awards. Cognate is closer to 'ординация' (ordination, rare), but the legal meaning translates as 'постановление', 'распоряжение', 'местный закон'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'ordinence' or confusing with 'ordnance' (military weapons/supplies).
- Using it to refer to national/federal laws.
- Incorrect part of speech: 'They ordinanced a new rule.' (Not standard verb use).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the use of 'ordinance' in modern American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'ordinance' is a type of law, but it is specifically one passed by a local governing body like a city or town council. Broader 'laws' are typically passed by state or national legislatures.
No, 'ordinance' is strictly a noun. The related verb is 'ordain' (to order or decree something formally, often in a religious context).
No, they are homophones but different words. 'Ordnance' refers to military supplies, especially weapons and ammunition.
Not very common. In British English, 'by-law' is the more typical term for a local regulation. 'Ordinance' sounds formal or historical.