ground rule

noun

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.

Synonyms of ground rule

• rule
• regulation
• code
• law

Examples of ground rule in a Sentence

before the debate begins, let's lay out some ground rules

Recent Examples on the Web

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

In a hearing before Judge Lyons on Monday, the attorneys for Toledo's family and the city began going over ground rules for the trial. —Jessica Popowcer, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ground rule

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• whirlpool

Kids Definition

ground rule

noun

: a rule set up for a specified activity