English Reference
adjective · noun

legislative

adj. · n.
US /ˈɫɛdʒəˌsɫeɪtɪv/ UK /lˈɛdʒɪslətˌɪv/ leg·isla·tive

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal Law

    adj.related to the process of making laws or the power to create them.

    adj.relating to the enactment of laws or the exercise of lawmaking power.

    Simple

    The government is planning new legislative changes to improve road safety.

    In context

    The legislative agenda for the upcoming session focuses heavily on environmental protection and tax reform.

    Usage

    Usually placed before a noun; often contrasted with 'executive' or 'judicial'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal Law

    n.the group of people in a government who have the power to make laws.

    n.the branch of government or organized body of people vested with the power to make, amend, and repeal laws.

    Simple

    The legislative met late into the night to discuss the new budget.

    In context

    While the executive branch proposes the budget, the legislative must approve the final figures before they become law.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'legislature' is much more common as a noun than 'legislative'.

Although a legislative proposal on PFAS has been promised, it is not expected to come before the end of 2026, European officials said earlier this year.

The Local· 12 Aug 2026

In this role, she moved “beyond legislative matters to practical services,” such as offering English lessons to children and working adults, Faderman writes.

Smithsonian Magazine· 30 Jun 2026

From legislate + -ive.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated