rule book
noun
: a book that contains the official set of rules that must be followed in a game, job, etc.
always carries the rule book in his back pocket to every game
also
: the rules in such a book
The rule book says that once the puck fully crosses the line it is a goal.
—often used figuratively He's a maverick when it comes to decorating, throwing away the rule book.
Examples of rule book in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As always, consider this a framework rather than a rule book.
—
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
The aim was to create the rule book of last resort for English-language users.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Trimming the tree doesn't come with a rule book.
—Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
If Green is fined a second time for roughing the passer, the fine escalates to $23,186, according to the NFL rule book.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule book
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Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
The aim was to create the rule book of last resort for English-language users.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Trimming the tree doesn't come with a rule book.
—Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
If Green is fined a second time for roughing the passer, the fine escalates to $23,186, according to the NFL rule book.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule book
Cite this Entry
“Rule book.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20book. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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