Word
lawmaker
Phoneticslaw·mak·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɔˌmeɪkɝ/
UK/lˈɔːmeɪkɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who is part of a government and helps to write and pass new laws. You usually see this word in news reports about politics.
n. a person who is responsible for the creation and enactment of legislation, such as a member of a parliament or congress.
Examples
“The lawmaker proposed a new bill to protect the local environment.”
“After months of public pressure, the lawmaker finally agreed to support the amendment for better healthcare funding.”
“Senior lawmakers from both parties met behind closed doors to negotiate a compromise that would prevent a government shutdown while addressing the concerns of their respective constituents.”
Examples
simple
“The lawmaker proposed a new bill to protect the local environment.”
contextual
“After months of public pressure, the lawmaker finally agreed to support the amendment for better healthcare funding.”
complex
“Senior lawmakers from both parties met behind closed doors to negotiate a compromise that would prevent a government shutdown while addressing the concerns of their respective constituents.”
Usage
Commonly used as a more concise alternative to 'legislator' in journalistic and political contexts.
Real-World Examples
“Several US lawmakers have since called for an inquiry into conditions on board the ship.” “In some states, lawmakers are starting to address the growing trend of gig platforms using government benefits to outsource benefit costs.” “In other states, lawmakers are considering similar laws that would restrict screen time for young students or limit the use of school-issued devices during the school day.” “The reports have prompted urgent questions from US lawmakers.” Etymology
From Middle English lawemaker, lawe maker, equivalent to law + maker.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/lawmaker