1. by the way - Adverb
2. by the way - Phrase
introducing a different topic
Source: WordNetThe greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi
Fascism is not defined by the number of its victims, but by the way it kills them. Jean-Paul Sartre
I'm always fascinated by the way memory diffuses fact. Diane Sawyer
Though we may pluck flowers by the way we may not sleep among flowers. Portuguese Proverb
In foreign countries money goes by the way. Sicilian Proverb
One can easily judge the character of a person by the way they treat people who can do nothing for them. Traditional Proverb