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 Today, German lawmakers are rewriting bylaws and pushing for constitutional amendments to ensure courts and state parliaments can provide checks against a future, more powerful AfD. Some have even launched a campaign to ban the AfD altogether. Erika Solomon, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Karamo argues both meetings were held in violation of state party bylaws and most of the 107-member state committee still supports her. Detroit Free Press, 29 Feb. 2024 After reviewing and discussing Larson's opinion, the committee agreed to leave the creation of the fundraising entity and finalization of the bylaws to be completed by the volunteers who will be part of the new nonprofit, Tirado said in his report. Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2024 The audit found the board members had benefited from educational scholarships in violation of the charity’s bylaws. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2024 The bylaw changes, which would strengthen vetting of new members and require anti-bias training, among other changes, are set to go before supervisors next month for approval. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024 That insurance of having a No. 3, emergency quarterback became an NFL bylaw in the spring. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024 The company’s founding bylaws, publicly available via its 2016 application to the Internal Revenue Service for tax-exempt status, indicate how a fraction of the board could take control and push out Altman. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2024 However, some members have been working to adjust its bylaws to strengthen vetting of new members and require anti-bias training, among other changes, following antisemitic comments made by former Commissioner Khaliq Raufi . Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bylaw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 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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