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

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

The first step is to review your condominium’s governing documents, such as the bylaws, declarations, and rules. —Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025

Know More Last month, the DNC’s rules and bylaws committee recommended that the full party vote to hold new elections, siding with Democratic activist Kalyn Free, who’d lost the Feb. 1 election for vice chair. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 12 June 2025

The bylaws of the organization allow a dozen board members. —Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025

That’s two votes short of the three-quarters majority required by league bylaws to pass it. —Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025

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