Definition of "by-election" []

• A special election held between general elections to fill a vacancy, as for a parliamentary seat. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The reactions are typical for the perceived losers of a so-called by-election in South Korea, one held to fill vacant seats."
• "Ms. Clark has three months to call the by-election to fill the vacancy, but has said she wants to seek a seat in the legislature as soon as possible."
• "After being sworn in as Premier in March, Ms. Clark, returning to politics after a six-year absence, needed a seat and called a by-election for May 11 when Mr. Campbell stepped down in Vancouver-Point Grey, which he had represented since 1996."