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

The Florida Department of Transportation Design Manual, the bylaws for road agencies in Florida, says roadways should maintain full width along their shoulders, but allows a reduction when needed. —Natalia Jaramillo, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024

Brampton’s city council passed a bylaw prohibiting protests around religious places. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

Topless equality won a victory in Nantucket in 2022 when at the annual town meeting, residents adopted the Gender Equality on Beaches bylaw, which then-Attorney General and now-Gov. Maura Healey approved that December. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2024

Yes, but there have long been DNC bylaws in place to allow pledged delegates to change their votes due to extenuating circumstances. —Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 21 July 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