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.
What Maryland's surveillance pricing law actually does The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act sets some clear ground rules for large grocery retailers. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Boston’s only baserunners through the first half of the game came on a Connor Wong ground rule double in the third, a Willson Contreras hit by pitch in the fourth and Rafaela walk in the fifth. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026 Because along with this freedom, students are also taught – and are practicing – respect for others, the correct use of materials, completing cycles of work, and following classroom ground rules. Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 In helming one of the world’s biggest airline groups, Kirby has also laid some ground rules to avoid burnout. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20rule. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

ground rule

noun
: a rule set up for a specified activity
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