by-election

noun

by-elec·​tion ˈbī-ə-ˌlek-shən How to pronounce by-election (audio)
variants or less commonly bye-election
: a special election held between regular elections in order to fill a vacancy

Examples of by-election in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Starmer’s exit was all but confirmed late last week following the result of a by-election in the Manchester constituency of Makerfield. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 June 2026 But the scores of journalists from around the world who have flocked to Makerfield during the campaign are evidence that this is no normal by-election, the results of which are due early Friday. — ABC News, 18 June 2026 Rob Kenyon, a plumber and local councilor, is running as Reform UK’s candidate in Thursday’s by-election. — Katie Marie Davies, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026 But his position now seems untenable, days after former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham won a by-election to return to parliament. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for by-election

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by-election was in 1853

Rhymes for by-election

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Browse Nearby Words

bye hole
by-election
Byelorussian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By-election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by-election. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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