house rule

noun

: a rule (as in a game) that applies only among a certain group or in a certain place

Examples of house rule in a Sentence

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.
Each family member needs a direct role in establishing house rules and expectations, which can start from noise levels to dividing schedules. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025 Parents can try limiting their child’s access to social media by pushing off giving them a smartphone for as long as possible or enforcing house rules that limit smartphone use, including keeping phones in common areas like the living room or handing them back to parents before bedtime. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 Prior to moving in, the landlady laid out several house rules for Sara, which included opening the windows daily and paying for each use of the dryer. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 This type of roommate likely insists on setting all the house rules, decides on grocery lists and manages the lease—but sometimes becomes too controlling. Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for house rule

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of house rule was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“House rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/house%20rule. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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