bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ How to pronounce bylaw (audio)
variants or less commonly byelaw
Synonyms of bylawnext
1
: a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its affairs
2
: a local ordinance

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
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.
In a letter to committee members on Monday, Committee Chair Larry Novak said Diehl was taking advantage of MassGOP bylaws to restructure the Brockton committee. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025 Tensions that had been building within the La Jolla Town Council come to a head at its April 10 meeting, culminating in President Mary Soriano removing Vice President Peter Wulff as a board trustee on allegations of bylaws violations. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025 Staff in both cities will continue to work on staffing and intergovernmental agreements, as well as the service contract, bylaws and articles of incorporation, before returning to the Common Council and other city officials for further approvals. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025 In response, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on December 8 to dissolve the library board and its governing bylaws entirely, Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) reported. Samantha Riedel, Them., 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bylaw

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bylaw was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bylaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bylaw. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

bylaw

noun
by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ How to pronounce bylaw (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bylaw

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