To save this word, you'll need to log in.
\ ˌhärd-ᵊn-ˈfast 
\
\Definition of hard-and-fast
: not to be modified or evaded : strict a hard-and-fast rule
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for hard-and-fast
hard-and-fast
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of hard-and-fast
—used to say that something (such as a rule) cannot be changed
See the full definition for hard-and-fast in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on hard-and-fast
What made you want to look up hard-and-fast? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
- The magician
______moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- More Confusing Words—Quiz
How many of these commonly confused words do you know?
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share hard-and-fast
Time Traveler for hard-and-fast
The first known use of hard-and-fast was in 1822
See more words from the same year