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

This imbalance prevents any bylaw changes to rein in abuses or limit the use of property, undermining the quality of life of those full-time residents and transforming the nature of the neighborhood. —Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024

Douglas previously stressed that all board members need to abide by the bylaws and exceptions can’t be made. —Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 5 June 2024

Sign stealing has always been legal under the NCAA bylaws, but with restrictions. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Earlier this year, the NCAA’s Division I council adopted new bylaws that allow its member institutions to directly help source and facilitate athlete NIL deals. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 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