statute of limitations

noun phrase

: a statute assigning a certain time after which rights cannot be enforced by legal action or offenses cannot be punished

Examples of statute of limitations in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Such charges, however, are subject to a 5-year statute of limitations. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 But, as Mosley explained to Fox News Digital, a law passed in North Carolina in 2025 extended the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits specifically for people who have undergone gender transitions. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 The statute of limitations varies by state and the type of debt, as well as the agreement governing the account. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Louisiana’s right of publicity law has a two-year statute of limitations, which gets him to May 2026. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for statute of limitations

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of statute of limitations was in 1641

Rhymes for statute of limitations

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Browse Nearby Words

statute of distribution
statute of limitations
statute roll
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Statute of limitations.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/statute%20of%20limitations. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

statute of limitations

1
a
: a statute establishing a period of time from the accrual of a cause of action (as upon the occurrence or discovery of an injury) within which a right of action must be exercised compare laches, statute of repose
b
: a criminal statute establishing the period of time within which an offense can be punished after its commission
2
: a period of time established by a statute of limitations for commencing an action or prosecution
3
: an affirmative defense that the statute of limitations has expired

More from Merriam-Webster on statute of limitations

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about statute of limitations

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