noun

statute

/ˈstætʃuːt/ · say it: STAT·yoot

a written law passed by a legislature

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) a law or rule made by a government or legislature

2. (noun) a written rule or requirement set by an organization or institution

Examples

1. The statute requires all drivers to wear seatbelts.
2. The university's statute states that students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

How to use statute

Statute is a formal, legal term referring to a written law passed by a legislative body or rules established by an organization. It is more formal and specific than the general term 'law,' and often appears in legal contexts or institutional settings. The term emphasizes the written, codified nature of the regulation.

Common phrases

statute of limitations
under statute
according to statute
breach of statute
statute law

Synonyms

law · regulation · enactment · act · ordinance

Word family

statutory (adjective) · statutorily (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse statute with 'statute of limitations,' thinking the entire phrase is a single legal concept rather than understanding that statute is the main noun.

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