ordinance

/ˈɔrdənəns/

/ˈɔdɪnɪns/

Other forms: ordinances

An ordinance is a local law. Many cities have recently passed ordinances making it illegal to smoke indoors or mandatory for pet owners to curb their dogs.

Ordinance can also mean the act of making someone a priest. In both senses, it means a direction or command coming down from a higher authority or an official conference. If you break an ordinance, you'll likely be fined rather than jailed. Remember that an ordinance is a rule meant to keep things in order.

Definitions of ordinance

1. noun

   an authoritative rule
   synonyms: regulation

   types:

   game law

   a regulation intended to manage or preserve game animals

   age limit

   regulation establishing the maximum age for doing something or holding some position

   assize

   the regulation of weights and measures of articles offered for sale

   speed limit

   regulation establishing the top speed permitted on a given road

   type of:

   prescript, rule

   prescribed guide for conduct or action
2. noun

   a statute enacted by a city government
   type of:

   legislative act, statute

   an act passed by a legislative body
3. noun

   the act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders
   synonyms: ordination

   types:

   laying on of hands

   laying hands on a person's head to invoke spiritual blessing in Christian ordination

   type of:

   appointment, assignment, designation, naming

   the act of putting a person into a non-elective position