bylaw

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noun by·law \ ˈbī-ˌlȯ \

variants: or less commonly byelaw

Definition of bylaw

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

2 :a local ordinance

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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 of bylaw from the Web

Club directors include Ilko (constitution and bylaws), Oscar Teel (publicity) and Jody Tadder (programs).

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Dye is leading Rancho Bernardo Lions for third time," 6 Aug. 2017
According to the charity bylaws, the foundation was set up with five original board members, including Tony and Alicia Gwynn, a San Diego Padres representative, a lawyer and Gwynn’s former agent.

— jeff mcdonald, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Gwynn Foundation paperwork 'fell through the cracks' for five years," 27 July 2017
According to the A.I.B.A.’s bylaws, a vote of no confidence by the executive committee members means Wu, the president, cannot act, and that an interim management committee must be formed to take over administrative duties.

— ken belson and ognian georgiev, New York Times, "Amateur Boxing Federation Votes Against Its President," 24 July 2017
At a second meeting a week later, held in Turnverein Hall with Idaho Surveyor General Lafayette Cartee as chairman, a committee was appointed to create a constitution and bylaws.

— arthur hart, idahostatesman, "Boise City’s first fire department, in 1876, about good times, hard work," 8 July 2017
The city's election bylaws allow each candidate five days to secure additional signatures.

— mark naymik, cleveland.com, "Tough talking t-shirt guy Tony Madalone and two others scrambling to qualify for mayoral ballot," 5 July 2017
There are monthly meetings and a documented set of bylaws that is 12 pages long.

— terrin waack, chicagotribune.com, "Inside Fire's Section 8, arguably the most intense fans in Chicago sports," 29 June 2017
Hamler said of her friend’s commitment to ensuring members followed the letter of the Links’ bylaws as parliamentarian.

— kimberly armstrong, Cincinnati.com, "Attorney Cleota Wilbekin remembered for needlework, drive for excellence," 20 June 2017
The board oversees the library through bylaws, rules, and regulations.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Yorkville floats cost-saving move for library," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bylaw.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bylaw

Middle English bilawe, probably from Old Norse *bȳlǫg, from Old Norse bȳr town + lag-, lǫg law

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First Known Use: 14th century

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bylaw Synonyms

Synonyms

rule, ground rule, reg, regulation

BYLAW Defined for English Language Learners

bylaw

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noun

Definition of bylaw for English Language Learners

: a rule that an organization (such as a club or company) makes and that its members must follow
: a law or regulation that is made by a local government and that applies only to the local area