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Definition of rubric

rubric

/ˈruː.brɪk/
ru · bric

Adverb:rubrically
•
Plural:rubrics
•
Adjective:rubrical
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rubric Lexical Profile

rubric Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A set of explicit criteria, guidelines, or standards used to evaluate or grade academic work, performance, or assignments.

Example

"The professor distributed a detailed grading rubric so students would know exactly how their essays would be evaluated."


2

A category, classification, heading, or title under which something is grouped or considered.

Example

"Several distinct musical traditions have been grouped together under the broad rubric of world music."


3

An authoritative direction or rule for the conduct of a liturgical service, or a heading in a manuscript traditionally printed or written in red ink.

Example

"In medieval prayer books, the rubrics instructing the priest when to kneel were written in bright red ink."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rubric

• Rhymes for rubric

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French rubrique, from Latin rubrica ('red ochre, red ink, title of a law written in red'), derived from ruber ('red'). In medieval manuscripts and liturgical books, headings and directions were traditionally written in red ink to distinguish them from the main text.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rubric. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rubric
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