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

Plaid Cymru has launched its campaign for the Senedd election, comparing the battle for voters in May to its successful fight in 2025's Caerphilly by-election.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Speaking at the Workmen's Hall in Bedwas, in the Caerphilly constituency won by Lindsay Whittle, Rhun ap Iorwerth said the by-election had made "history".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

There was "no evidence" of illegal "family voting" or voter coercion at the Gorton and Denton by-election, police have concluded after an investigation.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Last month she became the first Green Party candidate to win a parliamentary by-election.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Since that date every by-election for the Reichstag, as well as for the provincial legislatures and municipal councils, has shown remarkable gains in the Social Democratic vote.

From Socialism and Democracy in Europe by Orth, Samuel P.