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Definition of ordinance

ordinance

/ˈɔːr.də.nəns/
or · di · nance
Plural:ordinances
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ordinance Lexical Profile

ordinance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An authoritative rule, decree, or law enacted by a sovereign or governing body, especially a local regulation passed by a municipal authority.

Example

"The city council passed a new municipal ordinance restricting construction noise in residential neighborhoods after sunset."

2

A prescribed religious rite, sacrament, or ceremonial practice established by ecclesiastical or scriptural authority.

Example

"Within the congregation, baptism and communion are observed as sacred ordinances instituted for the spiritual life of the church."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ordinance

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'ordinance' (an official law, decree, or religious rite) with its near-homophone 'ordnance' (mounted guns, artillery, and military munitions).

• Rhymes for ordinance

• Nearby Words

orderliness
orderly
ordinal
ordinance
ordinarily
ordinariness
ordinary

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'ordenance' (order, arrangement, decree), from Medieval Latin 'ordinantia', ultimately from Latin 'ordinare' (to put in order, arrange).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ordinance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ordinance
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