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 of bylaw

• regulation
• rule
• law
• code

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

Democrats are poised to start their 2028 presidential primary in South Carolina, after the Democratic National Committee’s rules and bylaws committee recommended keeping the state at the front of their calendar. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 24 July 2026

The Democratic Party’s powerful rules and bylaws committee, meeting July 24, chose Nevada to go after South Carolina, freezing traditional first-in-the-nation state New Hampshire out of the top two slots. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Sankey’s point is conferences have always had their own bylaws and rules, and even enforcement. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 21 July 2026

The moment a company issues a formal notice that a transfer is void under its corporate bylaws, the token becomes worthless—not because of anything the blockchain did wrong but because the legal foundation was never there. — Ivan Kan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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