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

Staff presented two possibilities: adopt the 1% local grocery tax or increase Naperville’s home rules sales tax by 0.25%. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

And the product of a bygone era, Wholesale Laundry was decided before home rule was solidified in New York. —Paul Sonn, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025

The City Council approved a home rule petition last Friday that would waive a special election if Fernandes Anderson were to resign more than 180 days before the November general election, as required by the city charter. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2025

Here's a look at what each of the New Orleans home rule charter amendments would do. —Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024

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