golden rule

noun

1

Golden Rule : a rule of ethical conduct referring to Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31: do to others as you would have them do to you

2

: a guiding principle

Examples of golden rule in a Sentence

I try to live by the Golden Rule.

The golden rule in sales is to know your customer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Read on for the golden rules of packing. — Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2026

The golden rule for picture placement is 57 inches from floor to the frame’s center, but trust your eye and adjust for the specifics of your space. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026

Book through the airline directly The golden rule of booking mistake fares is to book directly with the airline. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Before adding anything to your basket, Donner suggests considering her golden rule. — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for golden rule

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

Kids Definition

golden rule

noun

: a rule that one should treat others as one would like to be treated