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.
While he has been given the green light to contest a by-election in Makerfield, in the north of England, victory is not guaranteed, as rival parties line up to contest the seat. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 May 2026 Rayner is another Labour lawmaker to voice her support for Burnham to be able to run in a possible by-election. Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 May 2026 Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secured an upset victory in the constituency of Gorton and Denton, a Labour stronghold, in a by-election in February. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026 The director said the concept of a by-election provided a compelling framework. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 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 27 May. 2026.

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