Definition of 'by-election'

Word Frequency

by-election

Word forms: plural by-elections

countable noun

A by-election is an election that is held to choose a new member of parliament when a member has resigned or died.

[British]

Word Frequency

by-election in British

or bye-election

noun

(in the United Kingdom and other countries of the Commonwealth) an election held during the life of a parliament to fill a vacant seat in the lower chamber

(in the US) a special election to fill a vacant elective position with an unexpired term

Word Frequency

by-election in American

(ˈbaɪɪˌlɛkʃən ; bīˈilekˌshən)

noun

a special election held in the interval between regular elections, esp. one held to fill a vacancy in the British House of Commons

Example sentences containing 'by-election'

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There is a warning in the by-election result for her party, she says. Times, Sunday Times (2016)But he has survived three by-election defeats. The Sun (2008)His party is not ready for government and has just lost a safe seat in a by-election. Times, Sunday Times (2012)The results of by-elections are usually very different from those of subsequent general elections. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The party has had a rotten run of poor by-election results. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The by-election result will be announced at lunchtime tomorrow. Times, Sunday Times (2009)He then proceeded to lose the resulting by-election. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Anyone who thinks staying up to watch a by-election result is normal behaviour. The Sun (2014)After the by-election defeat many Cabinet ministers face a dilemma. The Sun (2008)The Conservatives made two gains in council by-elections that the previous winning parties did not contest. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Without this, the country faces weeks of by-elections. Times, Sunday Times (2006)He was eligible to run in the resulting by-election, which he won. Times, Sunday Times (2014)The warning came after the party slumped to one of its all-time lows with a crushing by-election defeat. The Sun (2008)Labour MPs are likely to be twitchy over the trend in the polls and possible further by-election defeats. Times, Sunday Times (2008)He will have a reshuffle at the end of next week and faces a by-election defeat in November. The Sun (2008)The party can also honestly claim to have made net gains in council by-elections, some nine seats in all. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The by-election result was not a terrific surprise, but it was certainly a meteoric rise for an unknown outsider. Times, Sunday Times (2011)His death raises the possibility of a by-election for his seat - though it is unlikely so close to a national vote. The Sun (2009)The best way to judge by-election results is by the changes in the parties' share of the votes since the previous general election. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Write to your MP and demand they stand down to force a by-election. The Sun (2009)