bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ How to pronounce bylaw (audio)
variants or less commonly byelaw
Synonyms of bylawnext
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

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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
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.
The choice facing concerned district leaders Tuesday was between empowering a leadership willing to rig its bylaws to keep power, or a coalition willing to tolerate antisemitism to acquire it. — Doug Schneider, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Operating agreements, bylaws or buy-sell agreements can determine what happens next, Higgins says, including whether surviving owners have the right or obligation to purchase a deceased owner’s interest. — Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 It was assumed the rack would be a new state record typical and CBM bylaws require panel measuring of any antlers that are a potential record. — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 Many bylaws or CC&Rs say that HOA owners or members are record owners, meaning that a deed is on file in the county recorder’s office documenting that the person is an owner. — Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bylaw

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bylaw was in the 14th century

Rhymes for bylaw

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Browse Nearby Words

by-lane
bylaw
bylawman
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Cite this Entry

“Bylaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bylaw. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bylaw

noun
by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ How to pronounce bylaw (audio)
: 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

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