bylaw

noun by·law \ ˈbī-ˌlȯ \

variants: or less commonly byelaw

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Examples: bylaw in a Sentence

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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See bylaw defined for kids

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

Ramsey has denied the allegations and argues the foundation's bylaws at the time require it to protect him from loss.

— morgan watkins, The Courier-Journal, "University of Louisville: Ramsey rich enough to pay his own court fees," 8 June 2018
The historical commission waived the demolition delay bylaw for an expansion project in a January 2013 decision, and a building permit was issued later that year.

— john hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, "For sale in Newton: A truce in the teardown wars," 8 June 2018
While some older condominium bylaws may state that a spouse or nontitleholder of a unit may serve on the board of directors, such provisions are inconsistent with the Condominium Property Act and are therefore void.

— howard dakoff, chicagotribune.com, "When no one wants to serve on condo board, can unit owners be strong-armed to do so?," 7 June 2018
Also, the Common Council deferred action on approval bylaws for the city’s Port Authority.

— gregory tejeda, Post-Tribune, "Gary approves budget transfers for recycling, computer software," 6 June 2018
The arguments: Redstone alleges the vote is invalid because the company's bylaws have been amended.

— thr staff, The Hollywood Reporter, "What Matters in Hollywood Today," 1 June 2018
The commission has yet to meet to discuss bylaws, drawing more ire from frustrated residents.

— steven goode, Courant Community, "Mark Manson Elected To Bloomfield's Blue Hills Fire Commission," 17 May 2018
That book also includes the legal documents (such as the condominium association’s declaration and bylaws) as well as a lot of financial information.

— benny l. kass, chicagotribune.com, "For the newbie condo buyer, here's a quick primer," 25 May 2018
Earlier this year, the board gave approval to a 16-page document outlining bylaws for the board.

— gregory tejeda, Post-Tribune, "Gary studies bylaws for port district board," 23 May 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

bylaw Synonyms

Synonyms

ground rule, regulation, rule;

act, law, ordinance, statute;

behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, fiat, instruction, order;

axiom, fundamental, maxim, precept;

moral, principle, value;

ban, interdiction, prohibition, proscription, restriction;

blueprint, canon, formula, guide, guideline, standard;

BYLAW Defined for English Language Learners

bylaw

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