bypass

1 of 2

noun

by·​pass ˈbī-ˌpas How to pronounce bypass (audio)
1
: a passage to one side
especially : a deflected route usually around a town
2
a
: a channel carrying a fluid around a part and back to the main stream
(2)
: shunt sense 1c
also : a surgical procedure for the establishment of a shunt
have a coronary bypass

bypass

2 of 2

verb

bypassed; bypassing; bypasses

transitive verb

1
a
: to avoid by means of a bypass
bypass a congested area
b
: to cause to follow a bypass
2
a
: to neglect or ignore usually intentionally
b
: circumvent
attempting to bypass the law

Examples of bypass in a Sentence

Noun The bridge is being rebuilt so we'll have to take the bypass. Verb To bypass the city, take the highway that circles it. Is there a way to bypass the bridge construction? He bypassed the manager and talked directly to the owner. She managed to bypass the usual paperwork.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Depositphotos The researchers observed that semaglutide led to a consistent reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the CABG and non-CABG groups, but the absolute risk reduction of MACE was greater in those who’d had bypass graft surgery: 2.3% vs. 1%. New Atlas, 24 Nov. 2024 Use a pair of sharp bypass pruners when cutting back small rose canes. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024
Verb
Trump's team has also so far bypassed traditional vetting procedures for nominees, including FBI background checks. Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024 The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and was able to board the aircraft. Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bypass 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bypass was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near bypass

Cite this Entry

“Bypass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bypass. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bypass

1 of 2 noun
by·​pass ˈbī-ˌpas How to pronounce bypass (audio)
: a passage to one side or around a blocked or very crowded area

bypass

2 of 2 verb
: to make a detour around
bypass a city

Medical Definition

bypass

noun
by·​pass ˈbī-ˌpas How to pronounce bypass (audio)
: a surgically established shunt
cardiopulmonary bypass of blood from the right atrium to the aorta
also : a surgical procedure for the establishment of a shunt

Note: When a bypass is performed on more than one coronary artery or branch, the number of times (double, triple, etc.) is often specified.

I was immediately scheduled for a triple bypass, but they decided to try an angioplasty. Terry Todd, Sports Illustrated
see coronary artery bypass, gastric bypass, jejunoileal bypass
bypass transitive verb

More from Merriam-Webster on bypass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!