bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbÄ«-ËŒlȯ How to pronounce bylaw (audio)
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

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.
Until the issue is resolved one way or another, the current bylaw allowing transgender student participation remains in place. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2025 In the second half of last year, the boards of the four organizations that make up the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance voted to consolidate, so a lawyer was hired and bylaws were drafted, then adopted and became effective in December, O’Brien said. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 Wisconsin star cornerback Xavier Lucas says that Wisconsin is blocking him from entering the transfer portal, which would violate NCAA bylaws. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025 Now, after weeks of lawyerly wrangling over the semantics of church bylaws, members of the Riverside congregation will vote on a resolution to keep Weekday open for at least one more year and to determine a long-term plan for the school. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near bylaw

by-lane

bylaw

bylawman

Cite this Entry

“Bylaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bylaw. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

bylaw

noun
by·​law ˈbÄ«-ËŒlȯ 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bylaw

Nglish: Translation of bylaw for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bylaw for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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