by-election

noun

by-elec·​tion ˈbī-ə-ˌlek-shən How to pronounce by-election (audio)
variants or less commonly bye-election
: a special election held between regular elections in order to fill a vacancy

Examples of by-election in a Sentence

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 Britain, the small Green Party has won its first by-election. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 There are by-elections for three seats in Parliament in the coming months that could provide the Liberals with a majority government. ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026 Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently blocked Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, prompting much tension. Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Feb. 2026 Council by-elections through January 2026 show Reform winning 40% of contested seats. Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by-election

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by-election was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By-election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by-election. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster