bylaw

noun

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

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.
Mayor Larry Agran called for repayment with interest by year’s end, bylaw changes ensuring two seats for Irvine, an additional seat for Irvine if one more city joins the power authority and a freeze on basic tier rates through 2026. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 World Aquatics has already introduced a bylaw to ban coaches and athletes who will participate in the Enhanced Games, leaving Ben Proud with just one choice. Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 There are also board bylaws in place on governance standards and a code of ethics. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Following two public meetings this summer, Caucus President Regina Etherton wrote on August 24 that Caucus members would be able to vote on a bylaw change that would allow options beyond the current system of in-person voting. Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 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 16 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!