by-law

The city council passed a new by-law about recycling.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rule made by a local authority or organization: A "by-law" is a regulation or law enacted by a local government body (e.g., a city council) or by a private organization (e.g., a company or club) to govern its own affairs, often supplementing higher-level laws.
   • A secondary law: In a broader sense, a "by-law" can refer to any subordinate rule that applies within a specific jurisdiction or group, as opposed to a national or state law.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The city council passed a new by-law prohibiting parking on the main street during rush hour. (A local regulation created by the municipal government.)
  • The condominium’s by-law requires all residents to keep their pets on a leash in common areas. (A rule established by the homeowners' association.)
  • The company’s by-law states that board meetings must be held quarterly. (A rule governing the internal operations of the organization.)

Advanced Usage

• "to enforce a by-law": to ensure that a local regulation is obeyed.

  • The local police are responsible for enforcing the by-law against noise after 10 p.m. (They ensure compliance with the rule.)

• "to contravene a by-law": to violate or break a local regulation.

  • If you contravene the by-law, you may face a fine. (If you break the rule, you could be penalized.)

Variants and Related Words

• By-law (n): often spelled as "bylaw" in American English, meaning the same thing.
  • The school’s bylaw requires students to wear uniforms. (A local rule within the school.)
• By-law (adj): can be used as an adjective in "by-law officer" meaning an official who enforces such rules.
  • The by-law officer issued a ticket for illegal dumping. (The person responsible for enforcing local regulations.)

Synonyms

• Regulation: an official rule or order made by an authority.
• Ordinance: a law or decree made by a municipality.
• Rule: a prescribed guide for conduct or action.

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "by-law" as a noun. However, the verb "to pass" is commonly used:

Related Idioms

• None directly associated with "by-law." However, phrases like "by-law in force" are common: (The currently active local rule.)