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**:**a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its affairs

**:**a local ordinance

## Examples of *bylaw* in a Sentence

*bylaws*bar any member whose annual dues remain unpaid from voting in the election

*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 See all Example Sentences for

*bylaw*

## Word History

Middle English *bilawe*, probably from Old Norse **bȳlǫg*, from Old Norse *bȳr* town + *lag-, lǫg* law

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

*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 23 Nov. 2024.

## Kids Definition

bylaw

noun**:**a rule adopted by an organization for governing its members and regulating its affairs

Middle English *bilawe* "bylaw," probably from an early Norse compound of *bȳr* "town" and *lǫg* "law"

## Legal Definition

bylaw

noun**:**a rule adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the management of its affairs

**:**a local ordinance —often used in pl.

Middle English *bilage*, *bilawe* local law, probably ultimately from Old Norse *bȳr* town + *lǫg* law

## More from Merriam-Webster on *bylaw*

Nglish: Translation of *bylaw* for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of *bylaw* for Arabic Speakers

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