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
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An earlier bid by Burnham to contest a by-election back in January was blocked by Starmer loyalists in an attempt to head off a challenge. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 15 May 2026 Rayner is another Labour lawmaker to voice her support for Burnham to be able to run in a possible by-election. Callum Sutherland, Time, 12 May 2026 Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secured an upset victory in the constituency of Gorton and Denton, a Labour stronghold, in a by-election in February. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026 The director said the concept of a by-election provided a compelling framework. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“By-election.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by-election. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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