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

By the time the case was brought last year, the statute of limitations had expired on a potential voter-registration charge and on the earlier votes, leaving the 2020 ballot as the basis for the prosecution. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

The state law governing the interest payments process does not mention the statute of limitations as a reason to waive interest owed. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Authorities told her that the statute of limitations for the crime — which was six years in Ohio at the time of the assault — had long since run out, and a 2015 update to the state’s statute didn’t revive the case. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Williamson’s attorneys argue the claims are barred by the statute of limitations. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for statute of limitations

• abbreviations
• abominations
• accelerations
• accommodations
• accumulations
• adjudications
• administrations
• adulterations
• affiliations
• agglomerations
• alienations
• amalgamations

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