# bylaw

/ˈbaɪˌɫɔ/ (US) · /bˈaɪlɔː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bylaw
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a rule made by a city, town, or organization to control what people can do. You follow it like a law, but it usually applies only in one local area.

For teachers: a rule or regulation enacted by a local authority, corporation, or association to govern matters within its jurisdiction. Takes effect below the level of national legislation and typically carries limited penalties for violation.

## Examples

- The city bylaw bans loud music after ten.
- Under the new parking bylaw, residents need a permit to leave cars on the street overnight.
- The council invoked an obscure bylaw originally drafted in the 1950s to block the conversion of the historic theatre into luxury flats.

## Synonyms

ordinance, regulation, rule

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.