by-election

American  

[bahy-i-lek-shuhn] / ˈbaɪ ɪˌlɛk ʃən /

Or bye-election

noun

1. a special election, not held at the time of a general election, to fill a vacancy in Parliament.

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by-election British  

noun

1. (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

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

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Etymology

Origin of by-election

First recorded in 1875–80; by- + election

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by-election

The strategy is the brainchild of Abby Tomlinson, who ran Burnham's digital communications during the by-election, and who the BBC can confirm has been kept on for a new role in Burnham's administration.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

There wouldn't, though, be a by-election for his Holyrood seat as he was elected via the regional list.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

His resignation came days before Andy Burnham's pivotal by-election in Makerfield, adding to the sense that Sir Keir's premiership was falling apart.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

He was parachuted into parliament in a by-election last month to take his place on the green benches and, weeks later, at the top of the greasy pole.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

During the winter he finished and published his "River War," and in the August of the following summer, 1899, at a by-election, offered himself as Member of Parliament for Oldham.

From Real Soldiers of Fortune by Davis, Richard Harding