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 degree of success of the Foundry spin-in in the eyes of AMD, Apple, Broadcom and Qualcomm will rely first on the tech, but then on the perception of strict governance determined by the new corporate bylaws, including voting, operating agreements and the independence of the directors. —Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Axios reported two weeks later that Southwest's bylaws give Elliott the option of calling a special shareholders meeting to replace board directors earlier than the next annual meeting. —Michael Flaherty, Axios, 14 Aug. 2024

Since the 1955 Olympic Charter, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has sought to govern demonstrations and protest at the Games, which is now known as Rule 50 in its bylaws. —Debbie Sharnak & Yannick Kluch / Made By History, TIME, 30 July 2024

Board members are selected by residents to manage the HOA and enforce rules and bylaws. —Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 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