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ordinance meaning and examples

2025-08-25

Meaning

  • Ordinance is a noun that refers to a law, rule, or regulation enacted by a local government or authority.
  • It can also mean an authoritative order, often relating to public regulations or safety.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Noun

  • Common structures:

    • “city ordinance” (local law by a municipality)
    • “pass an ordinance” (to make official)
    • “violate an ordinance” (break a rule)

Common Phrases

  • City ordinance – a law made by a city council.
  • Noise ordinance – regulation that restricts noise levels.
  • Zoning ordinance – rules controlling land use and building.
  • Pass an ordinance – officially approve a regulation.

Collocations

  • Adjectives + ordinance: strict ordinance, municipal ordinance, safety ordinance, local ordinance
  • Verbs + ordinance: enforce ordinance, pass ordinance, issue ordinance, violate ordinance

Examples

  1. The city passed a noise ordinance to reduce disturbances at night.
  2. Smoking in public places is prohibited by local ordinance.
  3. A new zoning ordinance restricts building heights in the downtown area.
  4. The town council voted to repeal the ordinance.
  5. Violating the ordinance may result in a fine.
  6. The ordinance requires dog owners to keep pets on a leash.
  7. A fire safety ordinance was enacted after the accident.
  8. Citizens protested against the new ordinance.
  • Law
  • Regulation
  • Rule
  • Statute
  • Decree
  • Edict