bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ 

variants or less commonly byelaw

1

: a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its affairs

2

: a local ordinance

Synonyms of bylaw

• regulation
• rule
• law
• code

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

Now, note that the court didn’t explicitly bless the bylaws. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Possible changes could include changes in DXL’s business, corporate structure, certificate of incorporation, bylaws, capitalization, board of directors and management, Zodiac said. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

He was later declared ineligible according to the association’s bylaws. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Owners have raised objections about a proxy vote called by De Borbon at a May 18 meeting on the pool project and bylaw change. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

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

Rhymes for bylaw

• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada
• esau
• foresaw

Kids Definition

bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ 

: 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