by the by

phrase

variants or by the bye

Synonyms of by the by next

next

: incidentally sense 2

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by the by was in 1642

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“By the by.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20by. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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