ground rule

noun

Synonyms of ground rulenext
1
: a sports rule adopted to modify play on a particular field, court, or course
2
: a rule of procedure
ground rules for selecting a superintendent.Amer. School Board Jour.

Examples of ground rule in a Sentence

before the debate begins, let's lay out some ground rules
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The official spoke on the condition anonymity on ground rules set by the White House. CBS News, 13 June 2026 Bills were introduced in Springfield over the spring to impose ground rules on data center development. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity on ground rules set by the White House, said Trump also plans to meet on the sideline of the summit with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the Iran war. Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 11 June 2026 No lecture or strict ground rules are required. Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ground rule

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ground rule was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20rule. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

ground rule

noun
: a rule set up for a specified activity
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