home rule

noun

: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (such as a territory or municipality)

Examples of home rule in a Sentence

The citizens petitioned for home rule.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because South Elgin does not have home rule taxing authority, objections to the loan request can be filed through March 11. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

If state lawmakers take up the home rule petition and approve it, residents in each town would then have to adopt the tax at Town Meeting and a subsequent town election. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2026

Federal agents occupying a city to enforce immigration law represents nearly the worst-case scenario for home rule. —Joshua Simmons, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026

Reducing unfunded mandates and preserving home rule empowers communities to respond to local needs while remaining accountable to taxpayers. —Carol Platt Liebau, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for home rule

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

Kids Definition

home rule

noun

: self-government in local affairs by the citizens of a local political unit

Legal Definition

home rule

noun

: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (as a territory or municipality)

also : the political theory or principle of self-government