statute book: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Historically, it referred to bound volumes of printed statutes. Today, it is primarily a legal concept referring to the official record of enacted laws, which exists in digital/electronic form as well. The term is still used even when no single physical book exists.

A statute book is typically a chronological or sessional record of laws as they were passed. A 'code' (like the U.S. Code or a penal code) is a topical, subject-matter reorganization and consolidation of those laws, often with repealed parts removed and amendments integrated.

Yes, particularly in American English (e.g., 'strike from the statute books'). It can imply the multi-volume nature of the collection. British English often uses the singular ('the statute book') as a collective concept.

After a bill passes all legislative stages and receives formal assent (from the monarch, president, or governor), it becomes an 'Act'. It is then assigned a chapter number and officially published, which constitutes its entry onto the statute book.

An official collection of all the statutes (written laws) enacted by the legislature of a particular country, state, or jurisdiction.

Statute book is usually formal, legal, administrative, academic in register.

Statute book: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstætʃ.uːt ˌbʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstætʃ.uːt ˌbʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.