home rule

noun

: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (such as a territory or municipality)

Examples of home rule in a Sentence

The citizens petitioned for home rule.

Recent Examples on the Web

But a closer look shows the obliteration of the home rule function of government that Floridians enjoy. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Home rule and executive authority A third hot-button topic facing the next governor is home rule, or the principle that local governments, such as cities and counties, should be able to set policy on local issues. — Liv Coleman, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026

Under Kansas home rule law, local governments can charter out provisions in state law that are not applied uniformly throughout the state, LaSala said. — Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

The home rule campaign lost a special election last year in spectacular fashion. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for home rule

• minuscule
• molecule
• overrule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• ridicule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule

Kids Definition

home rule

noun

: self-government in local affairs by the citizens of a local political unit

Legal Definition

home rule

noun

: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (as a territory or municipality)

also : the political theory or principle of self-government