regulation
regulation Lexical Profile
regulation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official rule, directive, or law issued by a government, authority, or organization to control how something is done.
"The agency introduced new safety regulations to reduce carbon emissions from commercial vehicles."
The action or process of supervising, controlling, or maintaining something according to established rules or a desired rate and standard.
"Proper regulation of body temperature is essential for survival in extreme climates."
North American The standard playing time of a sports game or match, excluding any overtime or extra periods.
"The two teams were tied at the end of regulation, forcing the championship game into overtime."
• adjective
Conforming to or prescribed by official rules, standards, or specifications (used before a noun).
"All players on the field must wear regulation uniforms and approved protective gear."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as an adjective (e.g., "regulation uniform"), it is restricted to attributive positions directly before a noun; for general adjectival senses meaning "relating to official rules," use "regulatory."
• Rhymes for regulation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Late Latin regulationem, a noun of action from regulare ("to direct, rule, or control"), which derives from Latin regula ("rule" or "straight piece of wood") and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *reg- ("to move in a straight line").