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
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
4
a
: a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : ruler sense 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
ruled; ruling
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
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
Sherwood Anderson2
: 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
Tish HamiltonSynonyms
Examples of rule in a Sentence
Noun
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.
Verb
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 on the WebLionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 8 Apr. 2024
The county does not seem poised to change its rules any time soon.
—Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Considering our 85% rule (that the main issue is critical in determining electoral outcomes), the implications here are clear.
—Clifford Young, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
The specific terms of each category will be fleshed out in the formal rule due out soon.
—Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024
Some constitutional clauses, like the requirement that the President be native-born, are rules, but many, like the equal-protection clause (the only reference to equality in the entire document), are principles.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
His Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a raft of rules constraining the conduct of financial institutions; his Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department have begun an aggressive antitrust crusade; and his National Labor Relations Board has pursued an unambiguously pro-union agenda.
—Jonathan Mahler Edoardo Ballerini Emma Kehlbeck Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
Clearly, there are a lot of rules involved, and the best course for you two will depend on the specifics of your situation.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
That’s allowed under the FEC’s rules and something others, such as her seatmate, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., do as well.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024
Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
Domestically, Kishida’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been mired in problems, including a massive political fundraising scandal that threatens his future as prime minister.
—Michelle Lee, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
The ruling monarch personally selects recipients of the honor, and Princess Kate received the rank from Queen Elizabeth in 2019.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
Under his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, the ruling party attempted to pass a law that would have subjected journalists to punitive damage claims.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Washington must also signal its support for an all-inclusive Ethiopian national dialogue, in which Abiy’s ruling Prosperity Party will be a key participant, but without veto over other participants or the overall agenda.
—Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024
Morris has already ruled that BNSF cannot try to shift blame onto other companies that might also be liable for asbestos exposure in Libby.
—Amy Beth Hanson and Matthew Brown, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Before that, however, Gotland was independently ruled by Vikings, the Scandinavian groups known for their widespread, violent colonization beginning in the late eighth century.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2024
In 2019, a High Court case ruled that a group of Post Office subpostmasters were wrongfully convicted, and ruled that the Horizon system, which was software provided by Fujitsu, had bugs and errors.
—Scott Bryan, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024
Noun
Applications dropped significantly after the rule change.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 8 Apr. 2024
The county does not seem poised to change its rules any time soon.
—Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Considering our 85% rule (that the main issue is critical in determining electoral outcomes), the implications here are clear.
—Clifford Young, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2024
The specific terms of each category will be fleshed out in the formal rule due out soon.
—Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024
Some constitutional clauses, like the requirement that the President be native-born, are rules, but many, like the equal-protection clause (the only reference to equality in the entire document), are principles.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
His Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a raft of rules constraining the conduct of financial institutions; his Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department have begun an aggressive antitrust crusade; and his National Labor Relations Board has pursued an unambiguously pro-union agenda.
—Jonathan Mahler Edoardo Ballerini Emma Kehlbeck Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
Clearly, there are a lot of rules involved, and the best course for you two will depend on the specifics of your situation.
—Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
That’s allowed under the FEC’s rules and something others, such as her seatmate, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., do as well.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024
Verb
Harris, 37, ran unopposed to replace Varadkar as leader of the ruling Fine Gael party, and the final formalities of his rise to power were completed in the Dáil, Ireland’s parliament.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
Domestically, Kishida’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been mired in problems, including a massive political fundraising scandal that threatens his future as prime minister.
—Michelle Lee, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
The ruling monarch personally selects recipients of the honor, and Princess Kate received the rank from Queen Elizabeth in 2019.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
Under his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, the ruling party attempted to pass a law that would have subjected journalists to punitive damage claims.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
Washington must also signal its support for an all-inclusive Ethiopian national dialogue, in which Abiy’s ruling Prosperity Party will be a key participant, but without veto over other participants or the overall agenda.
—Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024
Morris has already ruled that BNSF cannot try to shift blame onto other companies that might also be liable for asbestos exposure in Libby.
—Amy Beth Hanson and Matthew Brown, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024
Before that, however, Gotland was independently ruled by Vikings, the Scandinavian groups known for their widespread, violent colonization beginning in the late eighth century.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2024
In 2019, a High Court case ruled that a group of Post Office subpostmasters were wrongfully convicted, and ruled that the Horizon system, which was software provided by Fujitsu, had bugs and errors.
—Scott Bryan, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rule.' 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
Cite this Entry
“Rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rule
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a guide or principle for conduct or action
b
: an accepted method, custom, or habit
c
2
: a broad statement generally found to be true
as a rule we don't have much snow here
3
: the exercise of authority or control : government
4
Etymology
Noun
Middle English reule "a guide for proper actions," from early French reule (same meaning), from Latin regula "straightedge, ruler," from regere "to lead straight, govern, rule" — related to rail entry 1, regent, regulate
Legal Definition
rule
1 of 2 noun1
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)
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
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
4
a
: 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 sense 2
rule
2 of 2 verb
ruled; ruling
1
: to exercise authority or power over
2
: to determine and declare authoritatively
especially
: to command or determine judicially
ruled the evidence inadmissible
1
: to exercise supreme authority
2
: to lay down a rule or ruling
ruled in favor of the plaintiff
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