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

The Boston City Council stepped up on Wednesday, approved a home rule petition that would hike disability pension benefits for the former educator. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025

Without home rule, Maher said, the village lacks the authority to implement a tax on truck traffic to help maintain the roads. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

If approved by the City Council, the home rule petition would need to be signed by Mayor Michelle Wu and approved by the state Legislature. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025

How judicial selection works under DC home rule In Washington, D.C., two different commissions have handled judicial selection and oversight since 1970. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Apr. 2025

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