by-path

or by·path

[ bahy-path, -pahth ]

/ ˈbaɪˌpæθ, -ˌpɑθ /

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noun, plural by-paths

[bahy-pathz, -pahthz, -paths, -pahths]. /ˈbaɪˌpæðz, -ˌpɑðz, -ˌpæθs, -ˌpɑθs/.

a private path or an indirect or secondary course or means; byway.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of by-path

1325–75; Middle English bi path.See by (adj.), path

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use by-path in a sentence

They bring the presentation of proof into a bypath so that the essential problem of evidence is left behind.
Criminal Psychology|Hans Gross
From the road a bypath led to a small clearing in a wood, with a slender spiral of smoke showing between the trees.
Audrey|Mary Johnston
Oliver reached the style at which the bypath terminated, and once more gained the high-road.
Oliver Twist, Vol. I (of 3)|Charles Dickens
I craned my neck, uneasy at not being able to see the gate nor any part of the bypath.
My Little Sister|Elizabeth Robins

But she tore herself away from this fascinating bypath and dragged Constantia after her.
The Garden Party|Katherine Mansfield

British Dictionary definitions for by-path

bypath

/ (ˈbaɪˌpɑːθ) /

noun

a little-used path or track, esp in the country

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012