bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ 

variants or less commonly byelaw

1

: a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its affairs

2

: a local ordinance

Synonyms of bylaw

• regulation
• rule
• law
• code

Examples of bylaw in a Sentence

the club's bylaws bar any member whose annual dues remain unpaid from voting in the election

Recent Examples on the Web

Marshfield approved the zoning bylaw in October. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 1 Dec. 2025

There is also no set time frame on the broken home exception, so a couple can have been divorced for years and then use the bylaw much later on to gain their child’s eligibility. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025

Some bylaws require filling vacancies while others leave it as optional until the next election. —Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025

Your bylaws or CC&Rs will normally state what vote is required to remove the board. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bilawe, probably from Old Norse *bȳlǫg, from Old Norse bȳr town + lag-, lǫg law

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bylaw

• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada
• esau
• foresaw

Kids Definition

bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ 

: a rule adopted by an organization for governing its members and regulating its affairs

Etymology

Middle English bilawe "bylaw," probably from an early Norse compound of bȳr "town" and lǫg "law"

Legal Definition

bylaw

noun

by·​law

ˈbī-ˌlȯ

1

: a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the management of its affairs

2

: a local ordinance

—often used in pl.

Etymology

Middle English bilage, bilawe local law, probably ultimately from Old Norse bȳr town + lǫg law