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

• ground rule
• reg
• regulation
• rule

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

Most HOAs have bylaws limiting contracts to a maximum of one year. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2024

Council members amend and enact bylaws and make appointments to fill vacancies on the boards, councils or positions of president and vice president. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2024

Although there is no requirement in its bylaws to do so, the IMF usually tries to steer clear of using emergency support to effect specific political (as opposed to economic) outcomes. —Shadi Hamid, Foreign Affairs, 28 Mar. 2023

The audit found the board members had benefited from educational scholarships in violation of the organization’s bylaws. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2024

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

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