bylaw

noun

by·​law ˈbī-ˌlȯ 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Its bylaws stated clearly that any material change in the organization would require the unanimous approval of the treaty signatories, all of which were sovereign nations. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 17 Sep. 2024 Friday’s three-hour meeting saw members go over bylaws, establish subcommittees, and elect volunteers to chair those committees, which will meet at least once a month over the next two years. Carleen Johnson | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 July 2024 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

Cite this Entry

“Bylaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bylaw. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bylaw

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