rule

noun \ ˈrül \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: rule in a Sentence

Definition of rule

1 a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action

b : the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members

c : an accepted procedure, custom, or habit

d (1) : a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties

(2) : a legal precept or doctrine

e : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct

2 a (1) : a usually valid generalization

(2) : a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode

fair weather was the rule yesterday
—The New York Times

b : a standard of judgment : criterion

c : a regulating principle

d : a determinate method for performing a mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result

3 a : the exercise of authority or control : dominion

b : a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control

4 a : a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : ruler 3, tape measure

b : a metal strip with a type-high face that prints a linear design; also : a linear design produced by or as if by such a strip

— as a rule

: for the most part : generally

See rule defined for English-language learners

See rule defined for kids

Examples of rule in a Sentence

I understand the basic rules of chess.
As long as you're living under our roof, you'll follow our rules.
The college has strict rules for qualifying for financial assistance.
The new rule allows employees to dress casually on Fridays.
Under the new rules, casual dress is now allowed.
the company's rules and regulations
It's important to learn the rules of the road before taking your driving test.
It's against the rules to eat during class.
He violated the unwritten rule that you must thank your host before you leave a party.
If you break the rules, you'll be asked to leave.

Recent Examples of rule from the Web

The new transfer rule allows a player to inform his or her school of an intention to transfer.

— nick baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "NCAA puts stop to transfer blocking, tweaks football redshirt rule," 13 June 2018
If a student enrolls midyear and plays in a postseason football game before or during their first term, the new rule does not apply.

— jenna west, SI.com, "Football Players Can Now Play Up to Four Games Without Losing a Season of Eligibility," 13 June 2018
Todd Ringle tweeted about the new rules Tuesday and explained to drivers in a thread that while these colors were already required by law, the new legislation features updated language and eliminates possible loopholes.

— justin l. mack, Indianapolis Star, "Make sure your headlights comply with this new Indiana law, starting July 1," 13 June 2018
Cecola likens the new rules to security at a professional ballpark.

— tracy swartz, chicagotribune.com, "What to expect from Stormy Daniels' shows at the Admiral Theatre," 12 June 2018
The State Department’s witness, Edward Ramotowski, did not mention the new rules in his opening statement.

— jeffrey mervis, Science | AAAS, "More restrictive U.S. policy on Chinese graduate student visas raises alarm," 11 June 2018
The new rules should change the Apple cryptocurrency app landscape quite drastically, given how third-party apps for initial coin offerings or sending and receiving cryptocurrency are essentially banned.

— shannon liao, The Verge, "Apple’s App Store bans on-device cryptocurrency mining on iOS and macOS," 11 June 2018
This year’s opener, delayed for months by new rules, has become a mystery challenge.

— tom stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Salmon opener brings mysteries, chance of mayhem," 10 June 2018
As one team builds next year’s game, keeping an eye on new rules implemented by the NFL or new roster changes, another team must remain on the previous year’s title to support year-round gamers.

— marco santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Electronic Arts' Game Changers wield influence on popular Madden series," 9 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rule.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rule

Middle English reule, from Anglo-French, from Latin regula straightedge, rule, from regere to keep straight, direct — more at right

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First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

rule Synonyms

Synonyms

bylaw, ground rule, regulation;

act, law, ordinance, statute;

behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, fiat, instruction, order;

axiom, fundamental, maxim, precept;

moral, principle, value;

ban, interdiction, prohibition, proscription, restriction;

blueprint, canon, formula, guide, guideline, standard;

Synonym Discussion of rule

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

- obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

- the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

- regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

- the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

- a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

- a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

- the canons of good taste

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

rule

verb

Definition of rule

ruled; ruling

transitive verb

1 a : to exert control, direction, or influence on

the passions that rule our minds

b : to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining

rule a fractious horse

ruled his appetites firmly

2 a : to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily

the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron hand

b : to be preeminent in : dominate

3 : to determine and declare authoritatively; especially : to command or determine judicially

4 a (1) : to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler

(2) : to mark (a line) on a paper with a ruler

b : to arrange in a line

intransitive verb

1 a : to exercise supreme authority

b : to be first in importance or prominence : predominate

the physical did not rule in her nature
—Sherwood Anderson

2 : to exist in a specified state or condition

3 : to lay down a legal rule

4 slang : to be extremely cool or popular —used as a generalized term of praise or approval

for a little attitude at the right price, sneakers rule
—Tish Hamilton

See rule defined for English-language learners

Examples of rule in a Sentence

The queen ruled for 25 years.
A dynasty ruled over this region during the 11th century.
Who will be the next leader to rule the country?
All of his actions were ruled by his religion.
The court ruled in favor of the defendant.
The jury ruled against the tobacco companies.
How will the court rule on the motion?
The Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional.
The board ruled that her behavior was cheating.

Recent Examples of rule from the Web

S3studio—Getty Images A grey cloud hanging over the heads of cryptocurrency investors lifted Thursday after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruled that Ethereum is not a security.

— lucinda shen, Fortune, "Ethereum and Bitcoin Prices Jump After SEC Official Says Ether Is Not a Security," 14 June 2018
That was barely a year into Sports Illustrated’s history, a time when the headlines were ruled by men like Willie Mays, Ted Williams and Rocky Marciano.

— mitch goldich, SI.com, "Ringz Culture: Are Championships All That Matter?," 13 June 2018
That could be especially problematic in a world ruled by autonomous-driving technology.

— eric d. lawrence, chicagotribune.com, "Future of Fiat Chrysler depends on Alfa Romeo, Maserati moreso than Fiat, Chrysler," 12 June 2018
As long as Hong Kong is ruled by China there is no room, no way to realize real democracy and our autonomy.

— ben westcott, CNN, "Hong Kong independence activist Edward Leung jailed for six years," 11 June 2018
That's exactly the case in Ohio after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday (by a 5-4 vote) that the state could continue a process for purging inactive voters from the registration rolls—a move some believe will disenfranchise thousands.

— abby gardner, Glamour, "How Ohio's 'Use It or Lose It' Voter Purge Could Affect Other States," 11 June 2018
Washington, the war hero and head of state who had relinquished his power to resume private life, was a novelty to Europeans ruled by hereditary princes who reigned until death.

— barrymore laurence scherer, WSJ, "‘Canova’s George Washington’ Review: The Very Model of a Lost Masterpiece," 9 June 2018
Evolution is reversed as Charlton Heston lands on a planet completely ruled by apes.

— john monaghan, Detroit Free Press, "Sci-fi classics invade the DIA for film series tied to 'Star Wars' exhibit," 7 June 2018
The film introduces us to the royal court, ruled by empresses and emperors who have entertained thousands and raised millions to help others.

— david lewis, San Francisco Chronicle, "A sneak preview of the Frameline film fest lineup," 6 June 2018

First Known Use of rule

13th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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rule Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of rule

decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

- she decided to sell her house

determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

- determined the cause of the problem

settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

- the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

- the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

- he resolved to quit smoking

RULE Defined for English Language Learners

rule

noun

Definition of rule for English Language Learners

: a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular game, situation, etc.
: a statement that tells you what is allowed or what will happen within a particular system (such as a language or science)
: a piece of advice about the best way to do something

rule

verb

Definition of rule for English Language Learners

: to have control and power over a country, area, group, etc.
: to have great influence over (someone)
: to make a legal decision about something

RULE Defined for Kids

rule

noun \ ˈrül \

Definition of rule for Students

1 : a guide or principle for conduct or action

To play this game, you need to follow the rules.

2 : an accepted or usual method, custom, or habit

“I'm a pretty quiet creature as a rule,” said the horse …
—Hugh Lofting, Dr. Dolittle

3 : the exercise of authority or control : government The country was under British rule.

4 : ruler 2

rule

verb

Definition of rule for Students

ruled; ruling

1 : to exercise authority over : govern

2 : ¹control 1, direct

Don't let emotions rule your decision.

3 : to be supreme or outstanding in

He rules the tennis courts.

4 : to give or state as a considered decision The judge ruled that the evidence could not be used.

5 : to mark with lines drawn along the straight edge of a ruler

Law Dictionary

rule

noun

legal Definition of rule

1 a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action

b : a regulating principle or precept

2 a : an order or directive issued by a court in a particular proceeding especially upon petition of a party to the proceeding that commands an officer or party to perform an act or show cause why an act should not be performed

a rule directing the district court to show cause why its ruling should not be vacated
—People v. District Court, 797 P.2d 1259 (1990)

b : a usually judicially promulgated regulation having the force of law that governs judicial practice or procedure

rules of evidence

rules of appellate procedure

— see also rule of court

c : rule of law 1

3 : all or part of a statement (as a regulation) by an administrative agency that has general or particular applicability and future effect and that is designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or that describes the organization, procedure, or practice of the agency itself