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

In September, the Southern Section Council approved a bylaw that will award a five-team football league with three automatic berths in the CIF-SS playoffs. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026

Ultimately, neither side could prove the answer with certainty, but according to TAPPS bylaws, the burden of proof falls on the member school or the athlete. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026

The possibility overshadows a fascinating batch of additional bylaw amendment proposals. — Kevin Schmit, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

At a special town meeting in October, residents passed a new bylaw by a vote of 510-13 to regulate noise, nuisance and privacy issues associated with commercial drone deliveries. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 1 Nov. 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