law
The body of binding rules and regulations, customs, and standards established in a community by its legislative and judicial authorities.
Noun 4 meanings
The body of binding rules and regulations, customs, and standards established in a community by its legislative and judicial authorities.
“The courts interpret the law but should not make it.”
A binding regulation or custom established in a community in this way.
“There is a law against importing wallabies.”
A rule, such as:
“"Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you" is a good law to follow.”
The control and order brought about by the observance of such rules.
“They worked to maintain law and order.”
Verb 2 meanings
To enforce the law.
To subject to legal restrictions.
Interjection 1 meaning
An exclamation of mild surprise; lawks; in interjections, a minced oath for Lord.
Etymology
From Middle English lawe, laȝe, from Old English lagu (“law”), borrowed from Old Norse lǫg (“law”, literally “things laid down or firmly established”), originally the plural of lag (“layer, stratum, a laying in order, measure, stroke”), from Proto-Germanic *lagą (“that which is laid down”), from Proto-Indo-European *legʰ- (“to lie”).
Similar and opposite words
LAW at a glance
LAW has 3 letters and scores 6 points in Scrabble (L 1 + A 1 + W 4) and 7 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #309 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with law
All rhymes- FLAW10
- CLAW9
- OUTLAW9
- COLESLAW13
- BYLAW13
- SLAW7
- BLAW9
- DANELAW11
- SCOFFLAW19
- CASELAW12
- DECLAW12
- PRELAW11
One letter away
Keep going
Related lists
Looking for a different word?
Type the letters you have and the Finder shows every word that fits.