an act passed by a legislative body
"The new environmental statute was signed into law yesterday to protect local water sources."
Written law, as laid down by the legislature.
"The judge ruled that the new statute protecting consumer data would override the previous company policy."
In plain English: A statute is a law that has been written down and passed by a government group, such as Congress.
"The new statute requires all drivers to wear seat belts while operating a vehicle on public roads."
Usage: Use statute to refer specifically to written laws enacted by a legislative body rather than general rules or regulations. This term is often confused with precedent when discussing legal authority, but statutes are statutory laws passed directly by lawmakers.
From Middle English statut, from Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum ("a statute"), neuter singular of Latin statutus, past participle of statuō ("I set up, establish").