lawmaker
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɔːmeɪkə/
US
- /ˈlɔˌmeɪkər/
Description
- Person who makes laws
- Legislator
- Elected representative
- Member of a legislative body
A lawmaker is someone whose job is to help write, debate, and pass laws. You can think of them as the people who shape the rules that guide a city, state, or country. The term is most often used for elected members of a legislature, such as members of Congress in the United States or Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom. It can also be used for state or local officials who make rules for the communities they serve.
In the news, you will often hear about lawmakers debating bills, voting on legislation, or answering the concerns of the people they represent. They help turn public needs and political ideas into written law. In everyday use, the word usually points to someone serving in a senate, parliament, congress, or similar legislative body.
The term "lawmaker" refers to a person whose role in government is to propose, discuss, and approve laws. It is very close in meaning to "legislator," but it sounds a little more direct and vivid, because it focuses on the act of making laws. The word is used mainly in political and news writing, and it usually refers to people serving in bodies such as a congress, parliament, senate, or state legislature. In some contexts, it can also refer to local officials who pass ordinances or similar rules.
The main work of a lawmaker is to respond to public issues through the legislative process. This often includes writing or supporting bills, discussing them in committees or public sessions, negotiating with other members, and voting on whether those proposals should become law. Depending on the political system, a lawmaker may also review budgets, question government officials, and speak for the interests of the people or region they represent.
In daily life, you will see this word most often in political journalism. A headline might say that lawmakers are divided over a spending bill or that local lawmakers have approved new housing rules. The word usually carries a neutral tone, although it can sound slightly formal. It is best used for people with an official role in making laws, not just for any politician or public figure. In that sense, lawmakers are the public officials who help shape the legal rules that affect how people live and work.
Examples
- 1
Local government
A local lawmaker met with residents about the new road plan.
- 2
Legislative vote
Lawmakers voted to approve the health-care bill on Tuesday.
- 3
State government
The state lawmaker introduced a proposal to lower bus fares.
Meaning
state lawmaker
a lawmaker in a state government, not the national government
- 4
Bipartisan support
Lawmakers from both parties supported the change.
- 5
Budget deadline
The mayor urged lawmakers to act before the budget deadline.
- 6
Finance committee
A senior lawmaker on the finance committee questioned the cost of the plan.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lawmakernoun
Forms
- lawmakerspluralnoun