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

• ground rule
• reg
• regulation
• rule

Example Sentences

the club's bylaws bar any member whose annual dues remain unpaid from voting in the election

Recent Examples on the Web

The bylaw intended to prevent an athlete from participating with two different schools during the same season. —James Weber, The Enquirer, 16 May 2023

The org’s 1927 bylaws list five groups of members: actors, directors, writers, producers and technicians. —Tim Gray, Variety, 5 Mar. 2023

The memo declared that board members moved earlier this month to suspend him because of concerns related to the organization’s bylaws and, by extension, its good standing with the IRS. —Isaac Stanley-becker, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Feb. 2023

Jones said the fight over the bylaws was a clash of old and new ways. —Alander Rocha, al, 26 Jan. 2023

The Alabama Democratic Party approved new bylaws Saturday that eliminated youth, LGBTQ+ and disabled caucuses and reduced the powers of others. —Alander Rocha, al, 6 May 2023

However, all condominium declarations and bylaws contain a provision that prohibits noxious and offensive activities that are a disturbance or nuisance to other unit owners or occupants. —Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023

By the time the annual meeting occurs, shareholders are preparing to cast their votes to elect directors and vote on significant changes to the corporation, such as bylaw amendments, mergers or a dissolution of the company. —Simone Grimes, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2023

But the sequels have perhaps over-invested in the mythology, proving that a little of this focus on flavorful arcana and bylaws goes a long way. —A.a. Dowd, Chron, 14 Mar. 2023

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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

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