Ordinance vs. Ordnance – Which is Correct?

The words ordinance and ordnance are distinct in meaning and pronunciation, despite their similar appearance. An ordinance refers to a local law or rule, often enacted by a city or county government. Ordnance, on the other hand, refers to military weapons, ammunition, or artillery. Understanding their specific contexts is key to correct usage.

Ordinance or Ordnance – Which is Correct?

Both ordinance and ordnance are correct words in the English language, but they have entirely different meanings and applications. The confusion often arises from their similar spelling and sound, making them a pair of easily mistaken homophones. To distinguish them, remember that ordinance pertains to rules and regulations, while ordnance relates to military equipment.

Similarly, mastering the distinctions between organization and organisation helps ensure clarity in written communication.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Ordinance	Noun	A local law or regulation; an authoritative decree.	The city council passed a new ordinance regarding noise levels after 10 PM.
Ordnance	Noun	Military weapons, ammunition, or artillery; the branch of an army dealing with such materials.	The disposal team was called to safely remove unexploded ordnance from the field.

How to Use Ordinance

The word ordinance is a noun used to describe a law or regulation, typically one enacted by a municipal government or a similar local authority. It can also refer to an established rite or ceremony, particularly in a religious context, though this usage is less common in everyday language. When you encounter “ordinance,” think of rules, decrees, or mandates that govern a specific area or group.

Example 1: The zoning ordinance prevents commercial buildings from being constructed in residential areas.

Example 2: Many cities have a leash law ordinance for dogs in public parks.

Example 3: The new traffic ordinance aims to reduce speeding on residential streets.

What are the different forms of Ordinance?

The most common form is the singular noun, ordinance. Its plural form is ordinances.

Etymology of the word Ordinance

The word ordinance comes from Old French ordenance, meaning “order, command, regulation,” which itself derives from Latin ordinare, “to order, arrange.” It entered English in the late 13th century, initially referring to arrangement or disposition, and later to a rule or decree.

How to Use Ordnance

Ordnance is a noun that primarily refers to military weapons, ammunition, and other related equipment, such as artillery. It can also denote the branch of an army responsible for the supply and maintenance of such materials. When you use “ordnance,” you are typically discussing items used in warfare or their management.

Example 1: The museum displayed various pieces of historical ordnance, including cannons and muskets.

Example 2: During the conflict, the soldiers relied heavily on their supply of heavy ordnance.

Example 3: An unexploded piece of ordnance was discovered by construction workers, halting the project.

What are the different forms of Ordnance?

The word ordnance is typically used as a collective noun and does not usually have a plural form. You would refer to “pieces of ordnance” or “types of ordnance” rather than “ordnances.”

Etymology of the word Ordnance

The word ordnance also comes from Old French ordenance, specifically a variant spelling or pronunciation. Initially, it had the same general meaning as “ordinance” (order, arrangement). However, by the 15th century, it began to specialize in meaning, particularly in a military context, referring to the “ordering” or “equipment” of an army, eventually narrowing to just the weapons themselves. The “d” was often added by confusion with other words or for phonetic reasons.

Related Concepts

The confusion between “ordinance” and “ordnance” highlights the phenomenon of homophones and near-homophones in English. Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and often different spellings (e.g., “to,” “too,” “two”). Near-homophones, like “ordinance” and “ordnance,” have very similar pronunciations, making them easy to mix up. Recognizing that such pairs exist and focusing on their distinct meanings and contexts is a crucial skill for precise communication.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The city council approved a new ordinance prohibiting loud music after midnight.” (News Report)
• “They discovered a cache of old ordnance buried on the abandoned military base.” (Historical Novel)
• “According to the local ordinance, all dogs must be on a leash in public parks.” (Community Newsletter)
• “The artillery unit was responsible for deploying heavy ordnance during the battle.” (War Documentary)
• “The new building ordinance requires all new constructions to meet strict energy efficiency standards.” (Government Publication)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The police enforced the noise ____ to keep the peace in the neighborhood.
2. Experts were called to disarm the unexploded ____ found at the construction site.
3. The municipal ____ mandates that businesses close by 11 PM.
4. The military depot stores various types of ____, from small arms to missiles.
5. Before building, you must check the local zoning ____ for restrictions.

Answer Key

1. ordinance
2. ordnance
3. ordinance
4. ordnance
5. ordinance

Ordinance Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Decree	An official order issued by a legal authority.
Statute	A written law passed by a legislative body.
Regulation	A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Edict	An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

Ordnance Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Ammunition	A supply of bullets, shells, or other projectiles fired from weapons.
Weaponry	Weapons collectively.
Artillery	Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land.
Munitions	Military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Are “ordinance” and “ordnance” pronounced the same way?
No, they have slightly different pronunciations. “Ordinance” is typically pronounced /ˈɔːrdɪnəns/ (OR-din-əns), while “ordnance” is pronounced /ˈɔːrdnəns/ (ORD-nəns), often with the second ‘i’ sound being dropped or very subtle.

Question 2: Can “ordinance” ever refer to military equipment?
No, “ordinance” strictly refers to laws, rules, or decrees. It does not carry any military connotation or refer to weaponry.

Question 3: How can I remember the difference easily?
A simple mnemonic is to associate “ordinance” with “order” (meaning a rule or command) and “ordnance” with “arms” (meaning weapons), noting the shared ‘r’ sound in “arms” and “ordnance.”

Conclusion

While their spellings and pronunciations are similar enough to cause confusion, ordinance and ordnance are distinct words with specific meanings. Ordinance refers to a local law or rule, often passed by a government body, guiding conduct within a community. Ordnance, conversely, refers to military weapons, ammunition, or artillery. Misusing these terms can lead to significant misunderstandings, especially in formal or technical contexts. Pro Tip: Always double-check the context when encountering these words to ensure you’re using or interpreting the correct term, safeguarding your professional reputation and clarity of communication.