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
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
Staff in both cities will continue to work on staffing and intergovernmental agreements, as well as the service contract, bylaws and articles of incorporation, before returning to the Common Council and other city officials for further approvals.
—
Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025
In response, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on December 8 to dissolve the library board and its governing bylaws entirely, Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) reported.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 15 Dec. 2025
The Foundation’s bylaws and policies would strengthen, requiring signatures from multiple executives to approve invoices and expenses.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
Colorado's District 49 led a lawsuit against the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) in May, challenging Colorado state laws and CHSAA bylaws that required schools to allow transgender student-athletes to participate in teams matching their gender identity.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bylaw
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Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025
In response, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on December 8 to dissolve the library board and its governing bylaws entirely, Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) reported.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 15 Dec. 2025
The Foundation’s bylaws and policies would strengthen, requiring signatures from multiple executives to approve invoices and expenses.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
Colorado's District 49 led a lawsuit against the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) in May, challenging Colorado state laws and CHSAA bylaws that required schools to allow transgender student-athletes to participate in teams matching their gender identity.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bylaw
Cite this Entry
“Bylaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bylaw. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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