plural ground rules
1
: a basic rule about what should be done in a particular situation, event, etc.
—usually plural
We need to lay out the ground rules for tonight's meeting.
2
chiefly US, sports
: a special rule about how a game is played on a particular field, court, or course
—usually plural
The coaches and umpires discussed the ground rules.
Cite this Entry
“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ground%20rule. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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