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

The alliance is built on the political pledge that an attack on one ally must be met with a response from them all — the collective security guarantee enshrined in Article 5 of its rule book. —Lorne Cook, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026

For those curious, yes, the NBA’s rule book addresses situations such as Thursday’s in Chicago, when the Heat’s game against the Chicago Bulls was postponed because of condensation creating a court at the United Center deemed too slick. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for rule book

• kinderhook
• meadowbrook
• overlook
• overtook
• pocketbook
• storybook
• tillamook
• undertook
• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook