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

Its bylaws include requirements for open public meetings, meeting minutes available to the public, an annual financial review and more, according to a document included with a staff report attached online to the upcoming City Council meeting’s agenda. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Note that per Civil Code 4775, HOAs can only allocate repair and maintenance responsibility in the CC&Rs – HOAs cannot do this in bylaws or rules. —Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

The United States Premier Hockey League’s bylaws, which USA TODAY obtained, offer no recourse to players whose teams don’t deliver on their promises. —Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Both amendments to the bylaws are great steps forward. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 4 May 2026

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