rule of the road
noun phrase
: a customary practice (such as driving always on a particular side of the road or yielding the right of way) developed in the interest of safety and often subsequently reinforced by law
especially
: any of the rules making up a code governing ships in matters relating to mutual safety
Examples of rule of the road in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The first 2024 presidential votes were cast today — but the rules of the road are still changing before our eyes.
—
Mike Allen, Axios, 20 Sep. 2024
Industry leaders continue to call for clear rules of the road from the SEC.
—Tonya Evans, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
When skateboarding, your child should follow the rules of the road—be aware of their surroundings, avoid skating in the street or crowded areas, skate on the right side of sidewalks and paths, and watch for changes in pavement conditions such as potholes or water.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
The rules of the road for successful entrepreneurs have equal applicability to people employed by an organization.
—Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of the road 
Mike Allen, Axios, 20 Sep. 2024
Industry leaders continue to call for clear rules of the road from the SEC.
—Tonya Evans, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
When skateboarding, your child should follow the rules of the road—be aware of their surroundings, avoid skating in the street or crowded areas, skate on the right side of sidewalks and paths, and watch for changes in pavement conditions such as potholes or water.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
The rules of the road for successful entrepreneurs have equal applicability to people employed by an organization.
—Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of the road
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rule of the road.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rule of the road
Cite this Entry
“Rule of the road.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20the%20road. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share