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

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to stand in the by-election brought about by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as an MP.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

Richard Martel, the former Conservative MP of the Quebec constituency that held Monday's by-election, stepped down last month after he was appointed by Carney to Canada's Senate.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

Sir Keir Starmer has announced he is to stand down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, a move that will trigger a by-election in the London seat.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

Self-styled intergalactic space warrior Count Binface finished second in the Clacton by-election on Thursday with 9,455 votes.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

It was debated with anxiety at Ottawa, and made the subject of special instruction to South Fox, where the by-election would have all the importance of an early test.

From The Imperialist by Sara Jeannette Duncan