“Ordinance” usually refers to an official law, rule, or order. “Ordnance” refers to military weapons, ammunition, or related material. The spellings are close, but the meanings are unrelated.
ReviewedEvidence2 sourcesSectionEnglish Usage
Quick answer
Use “ordinance” for an official rule or law; use “ordnance” for military weapons, ammunition, or related supplies.
Key details
Confusion Familylexical-confusion
Rule Familyword-choice
Termsordinance, ordnance
Further guidance
Core difference
An ordinance is a law, rule, or official order; ordnance is military weaponry or associated supplies.
Usage Boundary
In legal or local-government prose, “ordinance” is the likely word; in military logistics or weapons contexts, “ordnance” may be intended.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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