bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ How to pronounce bylaw (audio)
variants or less commonly byelaw
Synonyms of bylawnext
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.
At the same time Paramount has signaled its intent to introduce an amendment to WBD’s bylaws that would require shareholder approval for any separation of the company’s linear cable assets. Corey Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 The other issue, in my opinion, with HOAs is that there always seems to be at least one control freak who is the unpaid bylaws enforcement officer. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026 The Art Jury was established almost 100 years ago in 1927 to oversee building, landscaping and grading permits by closely following the Protective Covenant (PC) bylaws, regulations and guidelines. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 In its October response to the suit, the club maintained that its rules grant the board of governors exclusive control over bylaw changes. Chase Jordan january 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026 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 28 Jan. 2026.

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

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