Definition of rule
1a : a prescribed guide for conduct or actionb : the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its membersc : an accepted procedure, custom, or habitd (1) : a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties (2) : a legal precept or doctrinee : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct
2a (1) : a usually valid generalization (2) : a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode fair weather was the rule yesterday — The New York Timesb : a standard of judgment : criterionc : a regulating principled : a determinate method for performing a mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result
3a : the exercise of authority or control : dominionb : a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control
4a : a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : ruler 3, tape measureb : 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
From the M-W Editors
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.
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
First Known Use: 13th century
Synonym Discussion of rule
Other Government and Politics Terms
rule
Definition of rule
ruled
;ruling
transitive verb
1a : to exert control, direction, or influence on the passions that rule our mindsb : to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining rule a fractious horse ruled his appetites firmly
2a : to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron handb : to be preeminent in : dominate
3 : to determine and declare authoritatively; especially : to command or determine judicially
4a (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 rulerb : to arrange in a line
intransitive verb
1a : to exercise supreme authorityb : 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
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.
13th Century
First Known Use of rule
13th century
Synonym Discussion of rule
RULE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of rule for English Language Learners
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: a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular game, situation, etc.
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: a statement that tells you what is allowed or what will happen within a particular system (such as a language or science)
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: a piece of advice about the best way to do something
rule
Definition of rule for English Language Learners
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: to have control and power over a country, area, group, etc.
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: to have great influence over (someone)
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: to make a legal decision about something
RULE Defined for Kids
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
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
Legal Definition of rule
1a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action b : a regulating principle or precept
2a : 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 a rule subject to statutory notice and comment requirements for informal rulemaking
4a : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or conduct in a body, organization, institution, or proceeding b : a resolution of a legislative rules committee setting forth the terms for consideration of a particular bill by the entire body
5 : the exercise of authority or control majority rule — see also home rule, rule of law 2
rule
Legal Definition of rule
ruled
ruling
transitive verb
1 : to exercise authority or power over
2 : to determine and declare authoritatively; especially : to command or determine judicially ruled the evidence inadmissible
intransitive verb
1 : to exercise supreme authority
2 : to lay down a rule or ruling ruled in favor of the plaintiff
Learn More about rule
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See words that rhyme with rule Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rule Spanish Central: Translation of rule Nglish: Translation of rule for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rule for Arabic speakers
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