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

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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 Lions are also looking for two bylaw proposals for the 2025 season at the annual league meeting. — Scott Thompson, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025 Do company bylaws provide for indemnification protection for officers and employees? — Allbusiness, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Member terms typically last six years, and, while a purge of this scale is not explicitly prohibited by the center’s bylaws, this is the first time that a presidential administration has used its power to do so. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2025 Your condominium can seek a loan for the project if the building’s bylaws allow it, either by getting a mortgage on the super’s unit (if it is owned by the building), or by using the income stream from the common charges as collateral. — Jill Terreri Ramos, New York Times, 25 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

Rhymes for bylaw

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Browse Nearby Words

bylaw
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Cite this Entry

“Bylaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bylaw. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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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Nglish: Translation of bylaw for Spanish Speakers

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