v. 1. To go or move past; pass. Bob had to go by the post office on his way to school, so he mailed the letter. 2. To follow; copy; obey. Mother goes by a pattern when she makes a dress. You will find Main Street without trouble if you go by Father's directions. If you ride a bicycle, you must go by the rules of the road. 3. To be known by; be called. Many actors do not go by their real names. Fred goes by the nickname of Chubby. 4. To pass; be over; end. Time goes by quickly on vacation. The horse and buggy days have gone by. The flowers have all gone by. What will I do for a bouquet? 5. To stop for a short visit; go to someone's house for a short while. "Have you seen Bill lately?" "Yes, I went by his house last week."
Compare: STOP BY.