First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1rule
noun \ˈrül\
: 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
Full 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 — 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 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
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Origin of RULE
Middle English reule, from Anglo-French, from Latin regula straightedge, rule, from regere to keep straight, direct — more at right
Related to RULE
- Synonyms
- bylaw, ground rule, reg, regulation
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
2rule
verb
: to have control and power over a country, area, group, etc.
: to have great influence over (someone)
: to make a legal decision about something
ruledrul·ing
Full Definition of RULE
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
First Known Use of RULE
13th century
Related to RULE
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 Kids
1rule
noun \ˈrül\
Definition of RULE for Kids
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
2rule
verb
ruledrul·ing
Definition of RULE for Kids
1
: to exercise authority over : govern
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
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