by-election

noun

by-elec·​tion ˈbī-ə-ˌlek-shən 

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

But his position now seems untenable, days after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham won a by-election to return to parliament. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

His key rival Andy Burham will return to parliament after a decisive victory in a local by-election last week, with dozens of lawmakers and ministers now calling on Starmer to map out his departure timeline. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 22 June 2026

Starmer’s exit was all but confirmed late last week following the result of a by-election in the Manchester constituency of Makerfield. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 June 2026

This normally sleepy by-election was closely watched around the world after MP Josh Simons resigned with the deliberate intent of allowing Burnham to win his seat and challenge for the leadership of the country. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for by-election

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection